Colon and pancreas cancer peptidomimetics

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a peptidomimetic of an NPC-1 epitope on the MUC5AC protein which is differentially expressed in pancreatic and colorectal cancer, and diagnostic and therapeutic usages. Further, antibodies that selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics and may be used in diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a national stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/053064, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/385,587, filed Sep. 23, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/407,112, filed Oct. 27, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/435,163, filed Jan. 21, 2011; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/435,176, filed Jan. 21, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/467,896, filed Mar. 25, 2011, the disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Molecular Biology of Cancer

Cancer is caused by a malfunction in the growth control systems of a cell. Cells control their growth via combination of proliferation inhibition by tumor suppressor genes (e.g., Retinoblastoma protein (pRb), p53) and proliferation activation by oncogenes (proto-oncogenes) (e.g., RAS, WNT, MYC, EKR, and TRK). A mutation in either a tumor suppressor gene and/or a protooncogene in a cell results in unusually high rates of cell proliferation (e.g., a tumor cell). See Knudson (1971) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 68(4): 820-823. The cell may exhibit early signs of aberrant growth such as aberrant morphology or unusually large size (hyperplasia). The tumor cells also may proliferate at a higher than usual but not lethal rate, forming a growth, known as benign tumor (dysplasia). In later stages of cancer, the tumor cells proliferate at an unusually high rate resulting in uncontrolled growth that threatens the health of the patient known as malignant tumors (or in situ cancer). Many tumors can “metastasize” or spread throughout the body forming tumors. Metastasis is generally a sign of late stage, terminal cancer. Weinberg (September 1996) “How Cancer Arises” Scientific American 62-70.

Prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are the three most common cancers among men. Lung cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer are the leading causes of cancer deaths among men. Breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are the three most common cancers among women. Lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer are the leading causes of cancer death among women. CDC Features—United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) (2011). At present, there is an urgent need for diagnoses and therapies for colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, lung, liver, and breast cancer. For example, each year in the United States alone, more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with pancreas cancer. National Cancer Institute (2010) “What You Need to Know about Cancer of the Pancreas.” Although advancements in cancer detection and therapy have been made over the last two decades, the current options for early detection and treatment of cancer are limited and there exists a great need for new methods and materials that provide for the detection and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal and pancreatic cancer.

MUC5AC

Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins with O-linked oligosaccharides attached to serine or threonine residues of the apomucin protein backbone expressed in a cell and tissue-specific pattern in normal tissues. The mucin family includes proteins that contain tandem repeat structures with a high proportion of prolines, threonines, and serines (which constitute the PTS domain). Mucins are further defined by extensive glycosylation of the PTS domain through GalNAc O-linkages at the threonine and serine residues. Each mucin has a central region with a variable number of tandem repeat with about eight amino acid residues, but there is a little similarity. There are two structurally and functionally distinct classes of mucins: secreted gel-forming mucins and transmembrane mucins. Secreted gel-forming mucins include the products of the MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6 genes. See Kocer, et al. (2006) BMC Gastroenterology 6: 4; See also Hollingsworth & Swanson (2004) Nature Reviews 4: 45-60.

The human mucin (MUC) family consists of members designated MUC1 to MUC21—subclassified into secreted and transmembrane forms. The secreted mucins (e.g., MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6) form a physical barrier, which acts as a mucous gel that provides protection for epithelial cells that line the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and form the ductal surfaces of organs such as the liver, breast, pancreas, and kidney. The transmembrane mucins (e.g., MUC1, MUC4, MUC13 and MUC16) have a single membrane-spanning region and contribute to the protective mucous gel through their ectodomains of O-glycosylated tandem repeats that form rod-like structures. Kufe (2009) Nature Reviews 9: 874-885. MUC5AC expression is found on apical epithelial cells of the mucus glands of gastric antrum and body, tracheobronchial epithelium, superficial epithelium of the gallbladder and endocervix epithelium.

MUC5AC is highly expressed in adenoma. See Kocer, et al. (2006) BMC Gastroenterology 6: 4. Additionally, MUC5AC is expressed in tumors of gastrointestinal, pancreatiobiloary, and endocervical origin (e.g., colon, esophagus, liver, lung, pancreas, stomach, and uterus). See Lau, et al. (2004) Am. J. Clin Pathol. 122: 61-69. MUC5AC is also highly expressed in breast and gastric cancers. Zhang, et al. (1998) Clinical Cancer Research 4: 2669-2676. Further, MUC5AC glycan variants have been associated with pancreatic neoplasms. Haab, et al. (May 2010) Annals of Surgery 251(5): 937-945. MUC5AC is aberrantly expressed by colorectal polyps and colorectal carcinoma. Kocer, et al. (2006) BMC Gastroenterology 6(4): 1-9. Thus, there exists a need in the art for epitope peptidomimetics thereof for use in diagnostic and therapeutic compositions and methods for treating pancreatic and colorectal cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides peptidomimetics of a NPC-1 epitope derived from MUC5AC, including compositions comprising the same as well as methods of manufacture and use.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a polypeptide at least about 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4); SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); or any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6-24. In another embodiment, the invention provides a polypeptide that is at least about 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4); SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); or any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6-24. In another embodiment, the invention provides a polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4); SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); or any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6-24. In a further embodiment, the polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence of FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4). In a further embodiment, the polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence of SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5)

In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4); SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); or any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6-24. In a further embodiment, the fusion protein may comprise a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4). In a further embodiment, the fusion protein may comprise a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5). In another embodiment, the isolated fusion protein may comprise a polypeptide that is at least about 80% or 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1-24. In another embodiment, the fusion protein may comprise a detectable label covalently or non-covalently directly or indirectly attached thereto. In another embodiment, the detectable label may be selected from the group consisting of polyHis tag, FLAG tag, MBP, GST protein, and GFP.

The invention also provides a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4); SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); or any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6-24, directly or indirectly, conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, a therapeutic agent, label, carbohydrate, carrier, immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragment, or an immunomodulatory agent. In another embodiment, the conjugate may comprise a polypeptide with at least about 80% or 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4); SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); or any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6-24, directly or indirectly, conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, a therapeutic agent, label, carbohydrate, carrier, immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragment, or an immunomodulatory agent. In another embodiment, the carbohydrate may be mannose, fucose, glucose, GlcNAs, or maltose. In another embodiment, the carrier may be Keyhole Limpit Hemocyannin (KLH), diphtheria toxoid, cholera toxoid, ovalbumin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), Pseudomonas exoprotein A, or microbial outer membrane proteins (OMPS). In a further embodiment, the conjugate may comprise a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4) conjugated to KLH. In a further embodiment, the conjugate may comprise a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5) conjugated to KLH. In another embodiment, the label may be a chemiluminescent label, paramagnetic label, MRI contrast agent, fluorescent label, bioluminescent label, or radioactive label. In another embodiment, the paramagnetic label may be aluminum, manganese, platinum, oxygen, lanthanum, lutetium, scandium, yttrium, or gallium. In another embodiment, the cytotoxic agent may be a moiety that inhibits DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis, a radionuclide, or ribosomal inhibiting protein. In another embodiment, the cytotoxic agent may be ²¹²Bi, ¹³¹I, ¹⁸⁸Re, ⁹⁰Y, vindesine, methotrexate, adriamycin, cisplatin, pokeweed antiviral protein, Pseudomonas exotoxin A, ricin, diphtheria toxin, ricin A chain, or cytotoxic phospholipase enzyme.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diagnostically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or excipient. In a further embodiment, the composition may comprise the polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In a further embodiment, the composition may comprise the polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In one embodiment, the composition may be a pharmaceutical composition, an antigenic composition, or an immunogenic composition. In another embodiment, the invention provides a diagnostic kit comprising the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the polypeptide of the kit is directly or indirectly attached to a solid phase support or cell membrane. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be a bead, plate, matrix, polymer, test tube, sheet, culture dish, or test strip. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be an array. In another embodiment, the polypeptide may be at least about 80% or 90% identical to any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising a fusion protein comprising the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diagnostically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or excipient. In one embodiment, the composition may be a pharmaceutical composition, an antigenic composition, or an immunogenic composition. In another embodiment, the invention provides a diagnostic kit comprising a fusion protein comprising the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the polypeptide of the kit is directly or indirectly attached to a solid phase support or cell membrane. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be a bead, plate, matrix, polymer, test tube, sheet, culture dish, or test strip. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be an array. In another embodiment, the polypeptide may be at least about 80% or 90% identical to any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising a conjugate comprising the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diagnostically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or excipient. In one embodiment, the composition may be a pharmaceutical composition, an antigenic composition, or an immunogenic composition. In another embodiment, the invention provides a diagnostic kit comprising a conjugate comprising the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the polypeptide of the kit is directly or indirectly attached to a solid phase support or cell membrane. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be a bead, plate, matrix, polymer, test tube, sheet, culture dish, or test strip. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be an array. In another embodiment, the polypeptide may be at least about 80% or 90% identical to any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the invention provides an isolated expression vector comprising an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, an isolated host cell comprises an isolated expression vector comprising an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In a further embodiment, a non-human transgenic animal may comprise a host cell comprises an expression vector comprising an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. The invention also provides for a composition that may comprise an isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or excipient. In another embodiment, the polypeptide may be at least about 80% or 90% identical to any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that encodes a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the invention provides an isolated expression vector comprising an isolated polynucleotide that encodes a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, an isolated host cell comprises an isolated expression vector comprising an isolated polynucleotide that encodes a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In a further embodiment, a non-human transgenic animal may comprise a host cell comprises an expression vector comprising an isolated polynucleotide that encodes a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. The invention also provides for a composition that may comprise an isolated polynucleotide that encodes a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or excipient. In another embodiment, the polypeptide may be at least about 80% or 90% identical to any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof.

The invention also provides for an isolated antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. The invention also provides for an isolated antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that selectively binds a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. The invention also provides for an isolated antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that selectively binds a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may be produced using a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24 as the immunogen. In another embodiment, the polypeptide may be at least about 80% or 90% identical to any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may be recombinant. In another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may have anti-tumor activity. In one embodiment, the fragment may be a Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, CDR, paratope, or portion of an antibody that is capable of binding the antigen. In another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may be chimeric, humanized, anti-idiotypic, single-chain, bifunctional, or co-specific. In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may be directly or indirectly conjugated to a label, cytotoxic agent, therapeutic agent, or an immunosuppressive agent. In one embodiment, the label may be a chemiluminescent label, paramagnetic label, MRI contrast agent, fluorescent label, bioluminescent label, or radioactive label. In one embodiment, the paramagnetic label may be aluminum, manganese, platinum, oxygen, lanthanum, lutetium, scandium, yttrium, or gallium. In one embodiment, the cytotoxic agent may be a moiety that inhibits DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis, a radionuclide, or ribosomal inhibiting protein, ²¹²Bi, ¹³¹I, ¹⁸⁸Re, ⁹⁰Y, vindesine, methotrexate, adriamycin, cisplatin, pokeweed antiviral protein, Pseudomonas exotoxin A, ricin, diphtheria toxin, ricin A chain, or cytotoxic phospholipase enzyme. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent may be a lymphokine or growth factor, growth factor receptor, Toll Receptor or an agonist or antagonist of any of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the immunmodulatory agent may be an immunosuppressive agent selected from a cyclosporine, leflunomide, methotrexate, azothiprine, mercaptopurine, dactinomycin, tacrolimus, or sirolimus.

The invention also provides a composition comprising an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or excipient. In another embodiment, the polypeptide may be at least about 80% or 90% identical to any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or combinations thereof. A diagnostic kit comprising an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the polypeptide of the kit is directly or indirectly attached to a solid phase support or cell membrane. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be a bead, plate, matrix, polymer, test tube, sheet, culture dish, or test strip. In another embodiment, the solid phase support may be an array.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a composition for treating cancer comprising an effective amount of the polypeptide a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In a further embodiment, the composition for treating cancer may comprise an effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In a further embodiment, the composition for treating cancer may comprise an effective amount of a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In a further embodiment, the composition for treating cancer may comprise an effective amount of an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, the cancer may be selected from the group consisting of lung, breast, ovarian, stomach, pancreas, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, and liver cancer. In another embodiment, the cancer is pancreas or colorectal cancer.

The invention also provides for the use of a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24 in the preparation of a medicament for treating cancer. In another embodiment, the use of a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24 in the preparation of a medicament for treating cancer. In a further embodiment, use of a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24 in the preparation of a medicament for treating cancer. In a further embodiment, use of an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24 in the preparation of a medicament for treating cancer. In another embodiment, the cancer may be selected from the group consisting of lung, breast, ovarian, stomach, pancreas, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, and liver cancer. In another embodiment, the cancer is pancreas or colorectal cancer.

The invention also provides a method for treating cancer may comprise administering an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In another embodiment, a method for slowing the growth of a tumor may comprise administering an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for promoting tumor regression in a subject may comprise administering an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for activating dendritic cells may comprise removing dendritic cells from a patient, contacting cells ex viva with an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, and reintroducing activated the dendritic cells into said patient. In one embodiment, a method for activating antigen-specific immunity may comprise administering an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24.

The invention also provides a method for treating cancer may comprise administering an effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for slowing the growth of a tumor may comprise administering an effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for promoting tumor regression in a subject may comprise administering an effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for activating dendritic cells may comprise removing dendritic cells from a patient, contacting cells ex vivo with an effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, and reintroducing activated the dendritic cells into said patient. In one embodiment, a method for activating antigen-specific immunity may comprise administering an effective amount of a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24.

The invention also provides a method for treating cancer may comprise administering an effective amount of a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for slowing the growth of a tumor may comprise administering an effective amount of a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for promoting tumor regression in a subject may comprise administering an effective amount of a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for activating dendritic cells may comprise removing dendritic cells from a patient, contacting cells ex vivo with an effective amount of a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, and reintroducing activated the dendritic cells into said patient. In one embodiment, a method for activating antigen-specific immunity may comprise administering an effective amount of a fusion protein or conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24.

The invention further provides a method for treating cancer comprising administering an effective amount of an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for slowing the growth of a tumor and/or inhibiting metastasis may comprise administering an effective amount of an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for promoting tumor regression in a subject may comprise administering an effective amount of an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24. In one embodiment, a method for activating dendritic cells may comprise removing dendritic cells from a patient, contacting cells ex vivo with an effective amount of an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, and reintroducing activated the dendritic cells into said patient. In one embodiment, a method for activating antigen-specific immunity may comprise administering an effective amount of an antibody or antibody fragment which selectively binds a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24, or a conjugate comprising a polypeptide comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-24.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for detecting a NPC-1 epitope comprising: contacting a test sample with an antibody, or fragment thereof, that binds a polypeptide of any one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1-26, and assaying for antibody-epitope complexes, wherein the presence of said epitope is indicative of a carcinoma. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a NPC-1 epitope in a patient comprising administering to said patient a labeled monoclonal antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds a polypeptide of any one of any one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1-26, and detecting the presence of a NPC-1 epitope, wherein the presence of said epitope is indicative of a carcinoma.

In another embodiment, the method may comprise imaging the NPC-1 epitope. In a further embodiment, the imaging may be selected from the group consisting of positron emission tomography (PET), CCD low-light monitoring system, x-ray, CT scanning, scintigraphy, photo acoustic imaging, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, paramagnetic imaging, and endoscopic optical coherence tomography.

In another embodiment, the polypeptide, fusion protein, conjugate, or antibody may be administered in combination with another antibody, a lymphokine, or a hematopoietic growth factor. In another embodiment, the agent may be administered simultaneously or sequentially with the antibody. In another embodiment, the cancer may be lung, breast, ovarian, stomach, pancreas, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, or liver cancer. In a further embodiment, the cancer is pancreas or colorectal cancer. In a still further embodiment, the cancer may be pancreas cancer. In another embodiment, the cancer is colorectal cancer.

In another embodiment, the cancer may be a stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 cancer. In another embodiment, the cancer may have metastasized. In another embodiment, the patient may express detectable levels of a NPC-1 epitope. In another embodiment, the antigen may be detected in a tumor biopsy sample or in the blood, stool, urine, or lymph fluid. In another embodiment, the patient may be at risk of cancer. In another embodiment, the patient may be a patient without symptoms.

In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may be recombinant. In another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof may have anti-tumor activity. In a further embodiment, the antigen-binding fragment thereof may be a Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, CDR, paratope, or portion of an antibody that is capable of binding the antigen. In another embodiment, the antibody may be chimeric, humanized, anti-idiotypic, single-chain, bifunctional, or co-specific.

In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment may be conjugated to a label. In one embodiment, the label may be a chemiluminescent label, paramagnetic label, an MRI contrast agent, fluorescent label, bioluminescent label, or radioactive label. In one embodiment, the paramagnetic label may be aluminum, manganese, platinum, oxygen, lanthanum, lutetium, scandium, yttrium, or gallium.

In a further embodiment, the antibody may be attached to a solid support. In a further embodiment, the solid support may be a bead, test tube, sheet, culture dish, or test strip. In a further embodiment, the solid support may be an array. In a further embodiment, the sample may be a tissue biopsy, lymph, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, inflammatory exudate, blood, serum, stool, or liquid collected from the colorectal tract.

In a further embodiment, the antibody-epitope complex may be detected by an assay selected from the group consisting of Western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), “sandwich” immunoassays, immunoprecipitation assays, precipitation reactions, gel diffusion precipitation reactions, immunodiffusion assays, agglutination assays, complement-fixation assays, immunohistochemical assays, fluorescent immunoassays, and protein A immunoassays.

In a further embodiment, the method may detect colorectal polyps. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise additional testing for the presence of tumors. In a further embodiment, the method may detect benign tumors. In a further embodiment, the method may malignant tumors.

In a further embodiment, the method may metastatic tumors. In a further embodiment, the method may non-metastatic tumors. In another embodiment, the method may detect pre-cancerous cells that express a cell marker comprising a NPC-1 epitope. In another embodiment, the test sample may be obtained from a patient at risk of cancer. In another embodiment, the test sample may be obtained from a patient without symptoms.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of making antibodies comprising: immunizing an animal with a polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-24, removing said animal's spleen and prepare a single cell suspension, fusing a spleen cell with a myeloma cell, culturing post-fusion cells in hybridoma selection medium, culturing the resultant hybridomas, screening for specific antibody production, and selecting hybridomas which produce the desired antibody. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of making antibodies comprising: immunizing an animal with a polypeptide of FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4) or SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5), removing said animal's spleen and prepare a single cell suspension, fusing a spleen cell with a myeloma cell, culturing post-fusion cells in hybridoma selection medium, culturing the resultant hybridomas, screening for specific antibody production, and selecting hybridomas which produce the desired antibody.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of making antibodies comprising: immunizing an animal with a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-24, removing said animal's spleen and prepare a single cell suspension, fusing a spleen cell with a myeloma cell, culturing post-fusion cells in hybridoma selection medium, culturing the resultant hybridomas, screening for specific antibody production, and selecting hybridomas which produce the desired antibody. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of making antibodies comprising: immunizing an animal with a fusion protein comprising a polypeptide of FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4) or SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5), removing said animal's spleen and prepare a single cell suspension, fusing a spleen cell with a myeloma cell, culturing post-fusion cells in hybridoma selection medium, culturing the resultant hybridomas, screening for specific antibody production, and selecting hybridomas which produce the desired antibody.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of making antibodies comprising: immunizing an animal with a conjugate comprising a polypeptide of any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-24, removing said animal's spleen and prepare a single cell suspension, fusing a spleen cell with a myeloma cell, culturing post-fusion cells in hybridoma selection medium, culturing the resultant hybridomas, screening for specific antibody production, and selecting hybridomas which produce the desired antibody. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of making antibodies comprising: immunizing an animal with a conjugate comprising a polypeptide of FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4) or SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5), removing said animal's spleen and prepare a single cell suspension, fusing a spleen cell with a myeloma cell, culturing post-fusion cells in hybridoma selection medium, culturing the resultant hybridomas, screening for specific antibody production, and selecting hybridomas which produce the desired antibody.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the results of detecting NPC-1 antigen in stool from patients with a normal colonoscopy result, small polyps (SP), multiple polyps (MP), large polyps (LP), and colon cancer (CC). The results shown in FIG. 1 suggests a correlation between the level of NPC-1 antigen detecting in a stool sample with the presence of polyps and/or colon cancer, where the higher the NPC-1 antigen amount detected is correlated the larger the polyps or the higher the number of polyps. Further, the data is suggestive of the high levels of NPC-1 antigen (e.g., over 20,000 units of NPC-1 antigen in a sample) as indicative of colon cancer.

FIG. 2A-B depicts the detection of NPC-1 antigen in cancer patients using a NEO-101 antibody. FIG. 2A depicts a scatter plot of NPC-1 antigen detection in cancer patients undergoing treatment at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months compared to normal controls. Serial blood draws of cancer patients over an approximate 3 month period were tested. The NEO-101 sandwich ELISA was performed at a 1:24 serum dilution. Results are presented as a scatter plot of each experimental group, with the mean and standard error of the mean. There were 28 normal sera, 41 colon/pancreas cancer sera at 1-month, 33 colon/pancreas cancer sera at 2-month, and 25 colon/pancreas cancer sera at 3-month. FIG. 2B depicts a scatter plot showing that colorectal and pancreas cancer sera are detected similarly by NEO-101. Serum specimens were sorted according to patients diagnosed with either colorectal (n=36) or pancreas cancer (n=5). These were compared to the average of all cancer specimens and the normal serum specimens

FIG. 3 depicts anti-tumor activity in human AsPC-1 pancreas tumor xenograft model in nude mice comparing administration of saline, human IgG (200 μg), and NEO-101 (200 μg) comprising two cycles of treatment. The heavy arrows indicate days of NEO-101 injection (ip), light arrows indicate days of PBMC injection (ip), the asterisk (*) indicates statistically significant differences between NEO-101 treated mice with human IgG treated mice.

FIG. 4 depicts anti-tumor activity in human AsPC-1 pancreas tumor xenograft model in nude mice comparing administration of saline, human IgG (200 μg), and NEO-101 (200 μg) where four cycles of treatment were administered instead of two cycles. The heavy arrows indicate days of NEO-101 injection (ip), light arrows indicate days of PBMC injection (ip), the asterisk (*) indicates statistically significant differences between NEO-101 treated mice with human IgG treated mice.

FIG. 5 depicts anti-tumor activity in human LS174T colorectal tumor xenograft model in nude mice comparing administration of saline, human IgG (200 μg), and NEO-101 (200 μg). The heavy arrows indicate days of NEO-101 injection (ip), light arrows indicate days of PBMC injection (ip), the asterisk (*) indicates statistically significant differences between NEO-101 treated mice with human IgG treated mice.

FIG. 6 depicts the results of peptide sequencing following several rounds of phage library biopanning identified using NEO-101 antibody and 4B6 anti-idiotypic antibody.

FIG. 7 is a bar graph depicting results of phage clones in NEO-101 ELISA.

FIG. 8A-B depicts NEO-1.01 binding inhibition by phage M13 clones. FIG. 8A depicts EO-101 the percent binding inhibition by phage M13 clones. M13 clones were diluted 1:30 and competed with NEO-101-biotin (250 ng/ml) on colon cancer antigen (3 μg/ml) coated plates. In FIG. 8B, Inhibition %=[OD of NEO-101-biotin (250 ng/ml)−OD of NEO-101-biotin (250 ng/ml)+1:30 diluted M13]÷OD of NEO-101-biotin (250 ng/ml). FIG. 9B shows NEO-101 binding inhibition by M13 clones on colon antigen (3 μg/ml)-coated plates.

FIG. 9A depicts the percent NPC-1C binding inhibition by M13 clones in ELISA. The M13 clones were derived from the biopanning that yielded 10″ pfu/10 μl. FIG. 9B is a bar graph depicting NPC-1C beads binding inhibition (%) by cloned phage in beads assay.

FIG. 10 depicts peptide binding of NEO-101 in an ELISA assay.

FIG. 11 depicts peptide-biotin binding to NEO-101.

FIG. 12 is a bar graph depicting the percent inhibition of peptides to NEO-101 binding.

FIG. 13 depicts a comparison of the amino acid sequences of the NPC-1 short antigen with the 4-1-3-C9 and 4-1-4-C12 peptides.

FIG. 14A depicts the binding of CFPAC1 cells by antibody coupled beads, as a percent inhibition of NEO-101 beads binding to CFPAC1 cells (rosetted cells) inhibited by the peptides 4-1-4-C12 and 4-1-4C12-R2. FIG. 14B is a bar graph showing the inhibition by 4B6 of NEO-101 beads binding to CFPAC1 cells (rosetted cells).

FIG. 15A is a bar graph showing the percent blocking of NEO-101 by peptides (identified by biopanning an M13 phage library) on CFPAC1 culture supernatant-coated plates. FIG. 15B is a bar graph of OD values showing blocking of NEO-101 by peptides (identified by biopanning an M13 phage library) on CFPAC1 culture supernatant-coated plates.

FIG. 16A-B depicts 4-1-4C12-KLH immunized serum binding to 4-1-4C12 (SEQ ID NO: 5) (A) and CFPAC1 human pancreatic cell line supernantant (B) in a dose dependent manner.

FIG. 17 depicts that anti 4-1-4C12 pAb binds to CFPAC1 human pancreatic cell line supernantant, BSM and 4-1-4C12 peptide in a dose dependent manner.

FIG. 18 depicts that anti 4-1-4C12 pAb has lower affinity to BSM when compared with NPC-1C antibody in binding ELISA.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order that the invention herein described may be fully understood, the following detailed description is set forth. Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail and may be further illustrated by the provided examples.

DEFINITIONS

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the invention or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein. The materials, methods and examples are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

“Adjuvant,” as used herein, refers broadly to any substance which is incorporated into or administered simultaneously with NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic of the invention which potentiates the immune response in the subject. Adjuvants include but are not limited to aluminum compounds, e.g., gels, aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate, and Freund's complete or incomplete adjuvant (e.g., in which the PS/A antigen is incorporated in the aqueous phase of a stabilized water in paraffin oil emulsion). The paraffin oil may be replaced with different types of oils, e.g., squalene or peanut oil. Other materials with adjuvant properties. include BCG (attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis), calcium phosphate, levamisole, isoprinosine, polyanions (e.g., poly A:U), lentinan, pertussis toxin, lipid A, saponins, QS-21 and peptides, e.g. muramyl dipeptide. Rare earth salts, e.g., lanthanum and cerium, may also be used as adjuvants. The amount of adjuvants depends on the subject and the particular antigen used and can be readily determined by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation.

“Amino acid,” as used herein, refers broadly to naturally occurring and synthetic amino acids, as well as amino acid analogs and amino acid mimetics that function in a manner similar to the naturally occurring amino acids. Naturally occurring amino acids are those encoded by the genetic code, as well as those amino acids that are later modified, e.g., hydroxyproline, γ-carboxyglutamate, and O-phosphoserine. Amino acid analogs refers to compounds that have the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid, i.e., an a carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium. Such analogs have modified R groups (e.g., norleucine) or modified peptide backbones, but retain the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid. Amino acid mimetics refers to chemical compounds that have a structure that is different from the general chemical structure of an amino acid, but that functions in a manner similar to a naturally occurring amino acid.

“Antibody,” as used herein, refers broadly to any polypeptide chain-containing molecular structure with a specific shape that fits to and recognizes an epitope, where one or more non-covalent binding interactions stabilize the complex between the molecular structure and the epitope. The archetypal antibody molecule is the immunoglobulin, and all types of immunoglobulins, IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, IgD, from all sources, e.g., human, rodent, rabbit, cow, sheep, pig, dog, chicken, are considered to be “antibodies.” Antibodies include but are not limited to chimeric antibodies, human antibodies and other non-human mammalian antibodies, humanized antibodies, single chain antibodies (scFvs), camelbodies, nanobodies, IgNAR (single-chain antibodies derived from sharks), small-modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIPs), and antibody fragments (e.g., Fabs, Fab′, F(ab′)₂.) Numerous antibody coding sequences have been described; and others may be raised by methods well-known in the art. See Streltsov, et al. (2005) Protein Sci. 14(11): 2901-9; Greenberg, et al. (1995) Nature 374(6518): 168-173; Nuttall, et al. (2001) Mol. Immunol. 38(4): 313-26; Hamers-Casterman, et al. (1993) Nature 363(6428): 446-8; Gill, et al. (2006) Curr Opin Biotechnol. 17(6): 653-8.

“Antigen,” as used herein, refers broadly to a molecule or a portion of a molecule capable of being bound by an antibody which is additionally capable of inducing an animal to produce an antibody capable of binding to an epitope of that antigen. An antigen may have one epitope, or have more than one epitope. The specific reaction referred to herein indicates that the antigen will react, in a highly selective manner, with its corresponding antibody and not with the multitude of other antibodies which may be evoked by other antigens. Antigens may be tumor specific (e.g., expressed by neoplastic cells of pancreatic and colon carcinoma.)

“Antigenic composition,” as used herein, refers broadly to a composition that elicits an immune response.

“Cancer,” as used herein, refers broadly to any neoplastic disease (whether invasive or metastatic) characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division causing malignant growth or tumor.

“Chimeric antibody,” as used herein, refers broadly to an antibody molecule in which the constant region, or a portion thereof, is altered, replaced or exchanged so that the antigen binding site (variable region) is linked to a constant region of a different or altered class, effector function and/or species, or an entirely different molecule which confers new properties to the chimeric antibody, e.g., an enzyme, toxin, hormone, growth factor, drug; or the variable region, or a portion thereof, is altered, replaced or exchanged with a variable region having a different or altered antigen specificity.

“Conservatively modified variants,” as used herein, applies to both amino acid and nucleic acid sequences, and with respect to particular nucleic acid sequences, refers broadly to conservatively modified variants refers to those nucleic acids which encode identical or essentially identical amino acid sequences, or where the nucleic acid does not encode an amino acid sequence, to essentially identical sequences. Because of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a large number of functionally identical nucleic acids encode any given protein. Such nucleic acid variations are “silent variations,” which are one species of conservatively modified variations. Every nucleic acid sequence herein which encodes a polypeptide also describes every possible silent variation of the nucleic acid. One of skill will recognize that each codon in a nucleic acid (except AUG, which is ordinarily the only codon for methionine, and TGG, which is ordinarily the only codon for tryptophan) may be modified to yield a functionally identical molecule.

“Complementarity determining region,” “hypervariable region,” or “CDR,” as used herein, refers broadly to one or more of the hyper-variable or complementarily determining regions (CDRs) found in the variable regions of light or heavy chains of an antibody. See Kabat, et al. (1987) “Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest” National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. These expressions include the hypervariable regions as defined by Kabat, et al. (1983) “Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest” U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services or the hypervariable loops in 3-dimensional structures of antibodies. Chothia and Lesk (1987) J Mol. Biol. 196: 901-917. The CDRs in each chain are held in close proximity by framework regions and, with the CDRs from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen binding site. Within the CDRs there are select amino acids that have been described as the selectivity determining regions (SDRs) which represent the critical contact residues used by the CDR in the antibody-antigen interaction. Kashmiri (2005) Methods 36: 25-34.

“Control amount,” as used herein, refers broadly to a marker can be any amount or a range of amounts to be compared against a test amount of a marker. For example, a control amount of a marker may be the amount of a marker in a patient with a particular disease or condition or a person without such a disease or condition. A control amount can be either in absolute amount (e.g., microgram/ml) or a relative amount (e.g., relative intensity of signals).

“Differentially present,” as used herein, refers broadly to differences in the quantity or quality of a marker present in a sample taken from patients having a disease or condition as compared to a comparable sample taken from patients who do not have one of the diseases or conditions. For example, a nucleic acid fragment may optionally be differentially present between the two samples if the amount of the nucleic acid fragment in one sample is significantly different from the amount of the nucleic acid fragment in the other sample, for example as measured by hybridization and/or NAT-based assays. A polypeptide is differentially present between the two samples if the amount of the polypeptide in one sample is significantly different from the amount of the polypeptide in the other sample. It should be noted that if the marker is detectable in one sample and not detectable in the other, then such a marker may be considered to be differentially present. Optionally, a relatively low amount of up-regulation may serve as the marker.

“Diagnostic,” as used herein, refers broadly to identifying the presence or nature of a pathologic condition. Diagnostic methods differ in their sensitivity and specificity. The “sensitivity” of a diagnostic assay is the percentage of diseased individuals who test positive (percent of “true positives”). Diseased individuals not detected by the assay are “false negatives.” Subjects who are not diseased and who test negative in the assay are termed “true negatives.” The “specificity” of a diagnostic assay is 1 minus the false positive rate, where the “false positive” rate is defined as the proportion of those without the disease who test positive. While a particular diagnostic method may not provide a definitive diagnosis of a condition, it suffices if the method provides a positive indication that aids in diagnosis.

“Diagnosing,” as used herein, refers broadly to classifying a disease or a symptom, determining a severity of the disease, monitoring disease progression, forecasting an outcome of a disease and/or prospects of recovery. The term “detecting” may also optionally encompass any of the foregoing. Diagnosis of a disease according to the present invention may, in some embodiments, be affected by determining a level of a polynucleotide or a polypeptide of the present invention in a biological sample obtained from the subject, wherein the level determined can be correlated with predisposition to, or presence or absence of the disease. It should be noted that a “biological sample obtained from the subject” may also optionally comprise a sample that has not been physically removed from the subject.

“Effective amount,” as used herein, refers broadly to the amount of a compound, antibody, antigen, or cells that, when administered to a patient for treating a disease, is sufficient to effect such treatment for the disease. The effective amount may be an amount effective for prophylaxis, and/or an amount effective for prevention. The effective amount may be an amount effective to reduce, an amount effective to prevent the incidence of signs/symptoms, to reduce the severity of the incidence of signs/symptoms, to eliminate the incidence of signs/symptoms, to slow the development of the incidence of signs/symptoms, to prevent the development of the incidence of signs/symptoms, and/or effect prophylaxis of the incidence of signs/symptoms. The “effective amount” may vary depending on the disease and its severity and the age, weight, medical history, susceptibility, and pre-existing conditions, of the patient to be treated. The term “effective amount” is synonymous with “therapeutically effective amount” for purposes of this invention.

“Expression vector,” as used herein, refers broadly to any recombinant expression system for the purpose of expressing a nucleic acid sequence of the invention in vitro or in vivo, constitutively or inducibly, in any cell, including prokaryotic, yeast, fungal, plant, insect or mammalian cell. The term includes linear or circular expression systems. The term includes expression systems that remain episomal or integrate into the host cell genome. The expression systems can have the ability to self-replicate or not, i.e., drive only transient expression in a cell. The term includes recombinant expression cassettes which contain only the minimum elements needed for transcription of the recombinant nucleic acid.

“Framework region” or “FR,” as used herein, refers broadly to one or more of the framework regions within the variable regions of the light and heavy chains of an antibody. See Kabat, et al. (1987) “Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest,” National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. These expressions include those amino acid sequence regions interposed between the CDRs within the variable regions of the light and heavy chains of an antibody.

“Heterologous,” as used herein, refers broadly to portions of a nucleic acid indicates that the nucleic acid comprises two or more subsequences that are not found in the same relationship to each other in nature. For instance, the nucleic acid is typically recombinantly produced, having two or more sequences from unrelated genes arranged to make a new functional nucleic acid, e.g., a promoter from one source and a coding region from another source. Similarly, a heterologous protein indicates that the protein comprises two or more subsequences that are not found in the same relationship to each other in nature (e.g., a fusion protein).

“High affinity,” as used herein, refers broadly to an antibody having a KD of at least 10⁻⁸ M, more preferably at least 10⁻⁹ M and even more preferably at least 10⁻¹⁰ M for a target antigen. However, “high affinity” binding can vary for other antibody isotypes. For example, “high affinity” binding for an IgM isotype refers to an antibody having a KD of at least 10⁻⁷ M, more preferably at least 10⁻⁸ M.

“Homology,” as used herein, refers broadly to a degree of similarity between a nucleic acid sequence and a reference nucleic acid sequence or between a polypeptide sequence and a reference polypeptide sequence. Homology may be partial or complete. Complete homology indicates that the nucleic acid or amino acid sequences are identical. A partially homologous nucleic acid or amino acid sequence is one that is not identical to the reference nucleic acid or amino acid sequence. The degree of homology can be determined by sequence comparison. The term “sequence identity” may be used interchangeably with “homology.”

“Host cell,” as used herein, refers broadly to a cell that contains an expression vector and supports the replication or expression of the expression vector. Host cells may be prokaryotic cells such as E. coli, or eukaryotic cells such as yeast, insect (e.g., SF9), amphibian, or mammalian cells such as CHO, HeLa, HEK-293, e.g., cultured cells, explants, and cells in vivo.

“Hybridization,” as used herein, refers broadly to the physical interaction of complementary (including partially complementary) polynucleotide strands by the formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary nucleotides when the strands are arranged antiparallel to each other.

“K-assoc” or “Ka”, as used herein, refers broadly to the association rate of a particular antibody-antigen interaction, whereas the term “Kdiss” or “Kd,” as used herein, refers to the dissociation rate of a particular antibody-antigen interaction. The term “KD”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the dissociation constant, which is obtained from the ratio of Kd to Ka (i.e., Kd/Ka) and is expressed as a molar concentration (M). KD values for antibodies can be determined using methods well established in the art.

“Immunoassay,” as used herein, refers broadly to an assay that uses an antibody to specifically bind an antigen. The immunoassay may be characterized by the use of specific binding properties of a particular antibody to isolate, target, and/or quantify the antigen.

“Isolated,” as used herein, refers broadly to material removed from its original environment in which it naturally occurs, and thus is altered by the hand of man from its natural environment. Isolated material may be, for example, exogenous nucleic acid included in a vector system, exogenous nucleic acid contained within a host cell, or any material which has been removed from its original environment and thus altered by the hand of man (e.g., “isolated antibody or isolated peptidomimetic”).

“Label” or a “detectable moiety” as used herein, refers broadly to a composition detectable by spectroscopic, photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical, chemical, or other physical means.

“Low stringency,” “medium stringency,” “high stringency,” or “very high stringency conditions,” as used herein, refers broadly to conditions for nucleic acid hybridization and washing. Guidance for performing hybridization reactions can be found in Ausubel, et al. (2002) Short Protocols in Molecular Biology (5^(th) Ed.) John Wiley & Sons, NY. Exemplary specific hybridization conditions include but are not limited to: (1) low stringency hybridization conditions in 6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45° C., followed by two washes in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at least at 50° C. (the temperature of the washes can be increased to 55° C. for low stringency conditions); (2) medium stringency hybridization conditions in 6×SSC at about 45° C., followed by one or more washes in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 60° C.; (3) high stringency hybridization conditions in 6×SSC at about 45° C., followed by one or more washes in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 65° C.; and (4) very high stringency hybridization conditions are 0.5M sodium phosphate, 7% SDS at 65° C., followed by one or more washes at 0.2×SSC, 1% SDS at 65° C.

“Mammal,” as used herein, refers broadly to any and all warm-blooded vertebrate animals of the class Mammalia, including humans, characterized by a covering of hair on the skin and, in the female, milk-producing mammary glands for nourishing the young. Examples of mammals include but are not limited to alpacas, armadillos, capybaras, cats, camels, chimpanzees, chinchillas, cattle, dogs, gerbils, goats, gorillas, hamsters, horses, humans, lemurs, llamas, mice, non-human primates, pigs, rats, sheep, shrews, squirrels, and tapirs. Mammals include but are not limited to bovine, canine, equine, feline, murine, ovine, porcine, primate, and rodent species. Mammal also includes any and all those listed on the Mammal Species of the World maintained by the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

“Nucleic acid” or “nucleic acid sequence,” as used herein, refers broadly to a deoxy-ribonucleotide or ribonucleotide oligonucleotide in either single- or double-stranded form. The term encompasses nucleic acids, i.e., oligonucleotides, containing known analogs of natural nucleotides. The term also encompasses nucleic-acid-like structures with synthetic backbones. Unless otherwise indicated, a particular nucleic acid sequence also implicitly encompasses conservatively modified variants thereof (e.g., degenerate codon substitutions) and complementary sequences, as well as the sequence explicitly indicated. The term nucleic acid is used interchangeably with gene, cDNA, mRNA, oligonucleotide, and polynucleotide.

“Operatively linked”, as used herein, refers broadly to when two DNA fragments are joined such that the amino acid sequences encoded by the two DNA fragments remain in-frame.

“Paratope,” as used herein, refers broadly to the part of an antibody which recognizes an antigen (e.g., the antigen-binding site of an antibody.) Paratopes may be a small region (e.g., 15-22 amino acids) of the antibody's Fv region and may contain parts of the antibody's heavy and light chains. See Goldsby, et al. Antigens (Chapter 3) Immunology (5^(th) Ed.) New York: W.H. Freeman and Company, pages 57-75.

“Patient,” as used herein, refers broadly to any animal who is in need of treatment either to alleviate a disease state or to prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of a disease state. Also, “Patient” as used herein, refers broadly to any animal who has risk factors, a history of disease, susceptibility, symptoms, signs, was previously diagnosed, is at risk for, or is a member of a patient population for a disease. The patient may be a clinical patient such as a human or a veterinary patient such as a companion, domesticated, livestock, exotic, or zoo animal. The term “subject” may be used interchangeably with the term “patient”.

“Peptidomimetic,” as used herein refers broadly to a compound that can imitate or block the biological effect of a peptide on a molecular level. Peptidomimetics may be polymers designed to mimic a peptide, such as peptoids and β-peptides, or may be a peptide that mimics a different peptide.

“Polypeptide,” “peptide” and “protein,” are used interchangeably and refer broadly to a polymer of amino acid residues. The terms apply to amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residue is an analog or mimetic of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid, as well as to naturally occurring amino acid polymers. The terms apply to amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residue is an artificial chemical mimetic of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid, as well as to naturally occurring amino acid polymers and non-naturally occurring amino acid polymer. Polypeptides can be modified, e.g., by the addition of carbohydrate residues to form glycoproteins. The terms “polypeptide,” “peptide” and “protein” include glycoproteins, as well as non-glycoproteins.

“Promoter,” as used herein, refers broadly to an array of nucleic acid sequences that direct transcription of a nucleic acid. As used herein, a promoter includes necessary nucleic acid sequences near the start site of transcription, such as, in the case of a polymerase II type promoter, a TATA element. A promoter also optionally includes distal enhancer or repressor elements, which can be located as much as several thousand base pairs from the start site of transcription. A “constitutive” promoter is a promoter that is active under most environmental and developmental conditions. An “inducible” promoter is a promoter that is active under environmental or developmental regulation.

“Prophylactically effective amount,” as used herein, refers broadly to the amount of a compound that, when administered to a patient for prophylaxis of a disease or prevention of the reoccurrence of a disease, is sufficient to effect such prophylaxis for the disease or reoccurrence. The prophylactically effective amount may be an amount effective to prevent the incidence of signs and/or symptoms. The “prophylactically effective amount” may vary depending on the disease and its severity and the age, weight, medical history, predisposition to conditions, preexisting conditions, of the patient to be treated.

“Prophylaxis,” as used herein, refers broadly to a course of therapy where signs and/or symptoms are not present in the patient, are in remission, or were previously present in a patient. Prophylaxis includes preventing disease occurring subsequent to treatment of a disease in a patient. Further, prevention includes treating patients who may potentially develop the disease, especially patients who are susceptible to the disease (e.g., members of a patent population, those with risk factors, or at risk for developing the disease).

“Recombinant” as used herein, refers broadly with reference to a product, e.g., to a cell, or nucleic acid, protein, or vector, indicates that the cell, nucleic acid, protein or vector, has been modified by the introduction of a heterologous nucleic acid or protein or the alteration of a native nucleic acid or protein, or that the cell is derived from a cell so modified. Thus, for example, recombinant cells express genes that are not found within the native (non-recombinant) form of the cell or express native genes that are otherwise abnormally expressed, under expressed or not expressed at all.

“Specifically (or selectively) binds” to an antibody or “specifically (or selectively) immunoreactive with,” or “specifically interacts or binds,” as used herein, refers broadly to a protein or peptide (or other epitope), refers, in some embodiments, to a binding reaction that is determinative of the presence of the protein in a heterogeneous population of proteins and other biologics. For example, under designated immunoassay conditions, the specified antibodies bind to a particular protein at least two times greater than the background (non-specific signal) and do not substantially bind in a significant amount to other proteins present in the sample. Typically a specific or selective reaction will be at least twice background signal or noise and more typically more than about 10 to 100 times background.

“Specifically hybridizable” and “complementary” as used herein, refer broadly to a nucleic acid can form hydrogen bond(s) with another nucleic acid sequence by either traditional Watson-Crick or other non-traditional types. The binding free energy for a nucleic acid molecule with its complementary sequence is sufficient to allow the relevant function of the nucleic acid to proceed, e.g., RNAi activity. Determination of binding free energies for nucleic acid molecules is well known in the art. See, e.g., Turner, et al. (1987) CSH Symp. Quant. Biol. LII: 123-33; Frier, et al. (1986) PNAS 83: 9373-77; Turner, et al. (1987) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 109: 3783-85. A percent complementarity indicates the percentage of contiguous residues in a nucleic acid molecule that can form hydrogen bonds (e.g., Watson-Crick base pairing) with a second nucleic acid sequence (e.g., about at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 out of 10 being about at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% complementary, inclusive). “Perfectly complementary” or 100% complementarity refers broadly all of the contiguous residues of a nucleic acid sequence hydrogen bonding with the same number of contiguous residues in a second nucleic acid sequence. “Substantial complementarity” refers to polynucleotide strands exhibiting about at least 90% complementarity, excluding regions of the polynucleotide strands, such as overhangs, that are selected so as to be noncomplementary. Specific binding requires a sufficient degree of complementarity to avoid non-specific binding of the oligomeric compound to non-target sequences under conditions in which specific binding is desired, i.e., under physiological conditions in the case of in vivo assays or therapeutic treatment, or in the case of in vitro assays, under conditions in which the assays are performed. The non-target sequences typically may differ by at least 5 nucleotides.

“Signs” of disease, as used herein, refers broadly to any abnormality indicative of disease, discoverable on examination of the patient; an objective indication of disease, in contrast to a symptom, which is a subjective indication of disease.

“Solid support,” “support,” and “substrate,” as used herein, refers broadly to any material that provides a solid or semi-solid structure with which another material can be attached including but not limited to smooth supports (e.g., metal, glass, plastic, silicon, and ceramic surfaces) as well as textured and porous materials.

“Subjects” as used herein, refers broadly to anyone suitable to be treated according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, avian and mammalian subjects, and are preferably mammalian. Mammals of the present invention include, but are not limited to, canines, felines, bovines, caprines, equines, ovines, porcines, rodents (e.g., rats and mice), lagomorphs, primates, humans. Any mammalian subject in need of being treated according to the present invention is suitable. Human subjects of both genders and at any stage of development (i.e., neonate, infant, juvenile, adolescent, adult) can be treated according to the present invention. The present invention may also be carried out on animal subjects, particularly mammalian subjects such as mice, rats, dogs, cats, cattle, goats, sheep, and horses for veterinary purposes, and for drug screening and drug development purposes. “Subjects” is used interchangeably with “patients.”

“Symptoms” of disease as used herein, refers broadly to any morbid phenomenon or departure from the normal in structure, function, or sensation, experienced by the patient and indicative of disease.

“Therapy,” “therapeutic,” “treating,” or “treatment”, as used herein, refers broadly to treating a disease, arresting, or reducing the development of the disease or its clinical symptoms, and/or relieving the disease, causing regression of the disease or its clinical symptoms. Therapy encompasses prophylaxis, treatment, remedy, reduction, alleviation, and/or providing relief from a disease, signs, and/or symptoms of a disease. Therapy encompasses an alleviation of signs and/or symptoms in patients with ongoing disease signs and/or symptoms (e.g., tumor growth, metastasis). Therapy also encompasses “prophylaxis”. The term “reduced”, for purpose of therapy, refers broadly to the clinical significant reduction in signs and/or symptoms. Therapy includes treating relapses or recurrent signs and/or symptoms (e.g., tumor growth, metastasis). Therapy encompasses but is not limited to precluding the appearance of signs and/or symptoms anytime as well as reducing existing signs and/or symptoms and eliminating existing signs and/or symptoms. Therapy includes treating chronic disease (“maintenance”) and acute disease. For example, treatment includes treating or preventing relapses or the recurrence of signs and/or symptoms (e.g., tumor growth, metastasis).

“Variable region” or “VR,” as used herein, refers broadly to the domains within each pair of light and heavy chains in an antibody that are involved directly in binding the antibody to the antigen. Each heavy chain has at one end a variable domain (V_(H)) followed by a number of constant domains. Each light chain has a variable domain (V_(L)) at one end and a constant domain at its other end; the constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain, and the light chain variable domain is aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain.

“Vector,” as used herein, refers broadly to a plasmid, cosmid, phagemid, phage DNA, or other DNA molecule which is able to replicate autonomously in a host cell, and which is characterized by one or a small number of restriction endonuclease recognition sites at which such DNA sequences may be cut in a determinable fashion without loss of an essential biological function of the vector, and into which DNA may be inserted in order to bring about its replication and cloning. The vector may further contain a marker suitable for use in the identification of cells transformed with the vector.

The techniques and procedures are generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al. (2001) Molec. Cloning: Lab. Manual [3^(rd) Ed] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Standard techniques may be used for recombinant DNA, oligonucleotide synthesis, and tissue culture, and transformation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection). Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques may be performed according to manufacturer's specifications or as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The nomenclatures utilized in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques may be used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients.

Tumor Specific Variants of MUC5AC Comprise a NPC-1 Epitope

The present invention describes peptidomimetics of cancer-specific epitopes on MUC5AC which are specifically bound by NEO-100 series antibodies described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/41502 (e.g., NEO-101, NEO-102, NEO-103). The peptidomimetics described herein, SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y and SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; and the peptidomimetics described in the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 4-24, mimic epitopes expressed by tumor-specific variants of a MUC5AC antigen, including glycosylation variants. These peptidomimetics may be used in methods for treating and detecting cancer as well as the production of tumor-specific antibodies.

Tumor-Specific Variant Form of MUC5AC

A glycosylation variant of MUC5AC is expressed by tumor cells. This glycosylation variant may be due to a defect in transferases or other enzymes involved in glycosylation. MUC5AC isolated from CFPAC-1 supernate (pancreatic cancer cell line CFPAC-1) was digested with thermolysin and these fragments (e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 27-33) are bound by a NEO-101 antibody. This lead to the discovery of the NPC-1 epitope, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/41502, which is a tumor-specific glycotype within the tandem repeat region of MUC5AC. This analysis produced a 15 residue stretch TTSTTSAPTTSTTSAP (SEQ ID NO: 34) that overlaps 100% with the peptides generated from the thermolysin digestion of MUC5AC construct. This region is enriched in Proline-Threonine-Serine and may act as a scaffold for aberrant carbohydrate epitope recognized by a NEO-100 antibody (e.g., NEO-101, NEO-102, NEO-103). This was corroborated by deletion studies of MUC5AC that suggests the peptide stretch of GCPVTSTPVTAPSTP (SEQ ID NO: 35) binds to a NEO-100 antibody (e.g., NEO-101, NEO-102, NEO-103). This region is believed to act as a scaffold for aberrant glycosylation in tumor cells, forming an aberrant glycoprotein pattern that is recognized by a NEO-100 antibody. The NPC-1 epitope is also sensitive to neuramididase treatment but not to other enzymes (e.g., β-Glucosaminidase, O-Glycosidase, PNGase F, Neuraminidase (α2→3), β (1→4) galactosidase).

Using peptide phage display, synthetic epitopes that act as peptidomimetics of the NPC-1 glycotope were identified: SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y and SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; and the peptidomimetics described in the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 4-24. There is no significant homology between peptide sequences and MUC5AC sequence, which suggest the peptides comprises NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. Such a peptidomimetics are likely to be a glycomimetic of the aberrant glycosylation expressed by tumor cells but not by normal colon or pancreas tissues. This may be useful as a tag in diagnostic assays or a control peptide to measure NEO-101 antibody binding. Further, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be used in diagnostic or therapeutic methods for colon, pancreas, stomach, ovarian, lung, breast, or esophagus cancer.

As described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/41502, glycosylation variants of MUC5AC correlate with tumor cells and have characterized tumor-specific MUC5AC antigens (e.g., epitopes or antigenic determinants) that may be used in therapeutic and diagnostic methods (e.g., treatment of cancer involving tumor-specific MUC5AC antigens and the detection of tumor-specific MUC5AC variant antigens.) The immunohistochemistry studies demonstrate that NPC-1 epitope may be useful as a tissue biomarker of colon, pancreas, stomach, ovarian, lung, breast, or esophagus cancer presence and progression. For example, antibodies targeting the NPC-1 epitope may inhibit tumor progression. Also, NPC-1 epitope levels detected in sera appear to increase as cancer progresses, thus NPC-1 may be used as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for colon, pancreas, stomach, ovarian, lung, breast, or esophagus cancer. Thus the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic described herein may be used as both a diagnostic and therapeutic target specific for colon, pancreas, stomach, ovarian, lung, breast, or esophagus cancer.

NEO-1 Monoclonal Antibody

As described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/41502, NEO-100 antibodies (e.g., NEO-101, NEO-102, NEO-103) bind to tumor cells and initiates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in this cell and/or inhibits cell proliferation. For example, a NEO-101 antibody was produced by means of the hybridoma technique, cloned, chimerized with human constant regions, and also fully humanized. The inventors surprisingly discovered that the NPC-1 epitope is contained within the tandem repeat (TR) regions of the MUC5AC glycoprotein and that a NEO-100 antibody recognizes an apparently aberrantly glycosylated form of MUC5AC expressed by tumor cells. This is in contrast with other anti-MUC5AC antibodies (e.g., 1-13M1, SOMU1, 463M) which predominantly bind near the N-terminus or C-terminus region and not a glycotope in the tandem repeat regions. See Table 1. Further, the NPC-1 epitope is sensitive to glycolytic enzymes and thus, suggests that it is a glycotope. Additionally, none of the commercially available antibodies against MUC5AC which were tested by the inventors were found to cross-react with binding by NPC-1. Using these antibodies, the inventors isolated a peptidomimetic that binds the NEO-101 antibody but does not share any significant homology with the NPC-1 epitope.

TABLE 1 Compete Antibody with NEO-1 clone Source Binding site antibody? 45M1 Abcam Inc. Uncharacterized No H00004586 Abnova Inc. Last 100 residues No at carboxyl terminal CLH-2 Millipore Inc. Tandem repeat No 2-11M1 Abcam Inc. Amino terminal No 9-13M1 Abcam Inc. Amino terminal No 1-13M1 Abcam Inc. TSP-1 Cys-2 region No 2-12M1 Abcam Inc. Carboxyl terminal No region Polyclonal Santa Cruz residues 1214-1373 No rabbit (H-160) Biotechnology Inc.

Tumor cell binding activity of NEO-101 was performed by flow cytometry using colorectal and pancreatic tumor cell lines. As shown in Table 2, the NEO-101 antibody reacted with a sampling of human colorectal and pancreatic tumor cell lines. An isotype control antibody did not react with the colorectal and pancreatic tumor cells, demonstrating the antigen-specific reactivity of NEO-101 with these colorectal and pancreatic tumor cell lines. See International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/41502.

TABLE 2 Flow cytometry: Tumor Cell Binding by NEO-101 % Cells Stained (mfi) Tumor Cell Line Isotype Control NEO-101 LS174T Colorectal 3.85 (35) 89.72 (103) Colo-205 Colorectal 2.33 (34) 94.67 (175) SW480 Colorectal 3.38 (56) 58.98 (118) CFPAC-1 Pancreatic 1.79 (25) 52.56 (59) 

Table 3 shows that 43% of colon cancers and 48% of pancreas cancers stained positively with the NEO-101 antibody. It was observed that only one of four normal colon samples showed moderate positivity with NEO-101. Furthermore, in certain instances where normal colon tissue stained positively with NEO-101, the tissue was found to have been surgically removed from regions adjacent to colon cancer. Consequently, the positively stained “normal” tissues may have already undergone genotypic changes (“pre-cancerous”) resulting in the expression of the aberrantly glycosylated MUC5AC antigen that could lead to detection of carcinoma with NEO-101.

TABLE 3 Immunohistochemistry: Human Tissues With Biotinylated NEO-101 Human Tissue staining intensity tissue Total sample Posi- (source) Negative Weak +1 +2 +3 +4 tive Colon 27/48 5/48 7/48 4/48 5/48 21/48 cancer (56%) (10%) (15%)  (8%) (10%) (43%) Normal 3/4 1/4 1/4 colon (75%) (25%) (25%) Pancreas 56/108 17/108  7/108 18/108 10/108  52/108 cancer (52%) (16%)  (6%) (17%)  (9%) (48%) Normal 3/3 0/3 pancreas (100%)   (0%) Uterus 32/42 2/42 8/42 10/42 cancer (76%)  (5%) (19%) (24%) Normal 12/12  0/12 uterus (100%)   (0%) Prostate 30/40 5/40 5/40 10/40 cancer (75%) (12%) (12%) (25%) Normal 4/4 0/4 prostate (100%)   (0%)

Staining with a human IgG1 isotype control antibody showed no reactivity against the same tissues. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrate NEO-101 tissue staining in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue, and lack of staining in normal pancreas tissue.

In summary, antibody-staining results with NEO-101 demonstrated specific immunoreactivity with cancer tissues from colon and pancreas patients, whereas only weak binding, if at all, was observed in normal pancreas or colon tissues. Furthermore, no cross-reactivity was observed in other normal human tissues stained, indicating a strong positive correlation of the NEO-101 binding to colon and pancreas cancer tissues. Thus, the NPC-1 epitope is expressed by colon and pancreatic tumor cells but not normal colon or pancreatic tumor cells. Therefore, the NPC-1 epitope may be used as a tumor-specific marker or a therapeutic target for colon and pancreatic cancer. Further, peptidomimetics of the NPC-1 epitope (e.g., the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1-24) as described herein may be used in the detection and treatment of cancer (e.g., colon, pancreas, breast, lung, ovarian, stomach, esophageal).

NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetics

The invention provides NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. The inventors surprisingly discovered that MUC5AC comprises at least one NPC-1 epitope. Exemplary polypeptides comprising at least one NPC-1 epitope are provided in GCPVTSTPVTAPSTP (SEQ ID NO: 35). The peptidomimetics of the NPC-1 epitope may comprise the following sequences: SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y and SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I; FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4); SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); and the peptidomimetics described in the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6-24.

Nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising at least one NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be modified using standard molecular biological techniques that result in variants polypeptides comprising at least one NPC-1 epitope including but not limited to deletions, additions and substitutions in the amino acid sequence, that retain the specific antigenicity of the NPC-1 epitope (e.g., the NPC-1 epitope is bound by the NEO-1 antibody). Additionally, variant polypeptides comprising at least one NPC-1 epitope may also retain the antigenicity of a NPC-1 epitope (e.g., raise a specific immune response against the NPC-1 epitopes, respectively, upon immunization in a subject). The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be formulated with a pharmaceutical carrier to manufacture an antigen composition useful as a “cancer vaccine” (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition that elicits a specific immune response against the NPC-1 epitope, that produces anti-tumor antibodies after immunization in a subject). For example, a cancer vaccine may comprise a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-24, or combinations thereof. A cancer vaccine may comprise a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 4 or 5 and an adjuvant or pharmaceutical carrier. Also, a cancer vaccine may comprise a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 4 or 5 conjugate to a carrier such as KLH. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be a small peptide. Further, the peptide structure of the peptidomimetic may have an altered chemical structure is designed to improve stability or biological activity. Such modifications include altered backbones and the incorporation of normatural amino acids.

Polypeptide Derivatives and Analogs

It will be appreciated that the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be polypeptides, degradation products, synthetic peptides, or recombinant peptides as well as peptidomimetics, synthetic peptides, peptoids, and semipeptoids (e.g., peptide analogs, which may have, for example, modifications rendering the peptides more stable while in a body or more capable of penetrating into cells.) Modifications of the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein include, but are not limited to N-terminus modification, C-terminus modification, peptide bond modification (e.g., CH₂—NH, CH₂—S, CH₂—S═O, O═C—NH, CH₂—O, CH₂—CH₂, S═C—NH, CH═CH or CF═CH), backbone modifications, and residue modification. Methods for preparing peptidomimetic compounds are well known in the art. Martin (2010) Quantitative Drug Design: A Critical Introduction [2^(nd) Ed.] CRC Press.

Peptide bonds (—CO—NH—) within the peptide may be substituted, for example, by N-methylated bonds (—N(CH₃)—CO—), ester bonds (—C(R)H—C—O—O—C(R)—N—), ketomethylen bonds (—CO—CH2-), α-aza bonds (—NH—N(R)—CO—), wherein R is any alkyl, e.g., methyl, carba bonds (—CH₂—NH—), hydroxyethylene bonds (—CH(OH)—CH₂—), thioamide bonds (—CS—NH—), olefinic double bonds (—CH═CH—), retro amide bonds (—NH—CO—), peptide derivatives (—N(R)—CH₂—CO—), wherein R is the “normal” side chain, naturally presented on the carbon atom. These modifications can occur at any of the bonds along the peptide chain and even at several (2-3) at the same time.

Natural aromatic amino acids, Trp, Tyr and Phe, may be substituted by synthetic non-natural acid such as phenylglycine, TIC, naphthylelanine (Nol), ring-methylated derivatives of phenylalanine, halogenated derivatives of phenylalanine or o-methyl-tyrosine. In addition to the above, the polypeptides of the present invention may also include one or more modified amino acids or one or more non-amino acid monomers (e.g. fatty acids, complex carbohydrates), for example, hydroxyproline, phosphoserine and phosphothreonine; and other unusual amino acids including, but not limited to, 2-aminoadipic acid, hydroxylysine, isodesmosine, nor-valine, nor-leucine and ornithine. Furthermore, the term “amino acid” includes both D- and L-amino acids.

Since the polypeptides of the present invention are preferably utilized in therapeutics which requires the peptides to be in soluble form, the polypeptides of the present invention may comprise one or more non-natural or natural polar amino acids, including but not limited to serine and threonine which are capable of increasing peptide solubility due to their hydroxyl-containing side chain.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics of the present invention may be in a linear form, although it will be appreciated that circular forms may also be utilized.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be purified from cells that have been altered to express it (e.g., recombinant). DNA sequences encoding the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be inserted into an expression vector and then transformed (or transfected) in an appropriate host cell and/or expressed in a transgenic animal. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics so expressed may then be isolated by methods known in the art. See, e.g., Maniatis, et al. (2001) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [3^(rd) Ed.] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics of the present invention may be biochemically synthesized such as by using standard solid phase techniques. These methods include exclusive solid phase synthesis, partial solid phase synthesis methods, fragment condensation, classical solution synthesis. Solid phase peptide synthesis procedures are well known in the art and further described by Stewart (1984) Solid Phase Peptide Syntheses [2^(nd) Ed.] Pierce Chemical Company and Benoiton (2005) Chemistry of Peptide Synthesis CRC Press. Synthetic peptides may be purified by preparative high performance liquid chromatography and the composition of which may be confirmed via amino acid sequencing. See Creighton (1992) [2^(nd) Ed.] Proteins, Structures and Molecular Principles W.H. Freeman and Company; Aguilar (2004) [Ed.] HPLC of Peptides and Proteins: Methods and Protocols Humana Press; Simpson (2002) Protein Sequencing Protocols [2^(nd) Ed.] Humana Press.

In cases where large amounts of the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics of the present invention are desired, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics of the present invention may be generated using recombinant techniques such as described by Invitrogen (2002) “Guide to Baculovirus Expression Vector Systems (BEVs) and Insect Culture Techniques” Instruction Manual; Hatti-Kaul and Mattiasson (2003) [Eds] Isolation and Purification of Proteins; Ahmed (2004) Principles and Reactions of Protein Extraction, Purification and Characterization CRC Press. Further recombinant techniques such as described by, for example, Bitter, et al. (1987) Methods in Enzymol. 153: 516-544, Studier, et al. (1990) Methods in Enzymol. 185: 60-89, Brisson, et al. (1984) Nature 310: 511-514, Takamatsu, et al. (1987) EMBO J. 6: 307-311, Coruzzi, et al. (1984) EMBO J. 3: 1671-1680 and Brogli, et al. (1984) Science 224: 838-843, Gurley, et al. (1986) Mol. Cell. Biol. 6: 559-565 and Weissbach & Weissbach (1988) Methods for Plant Molecular Biology, Academic Press, NY, Section VIII, pages 421-463.

Polypeptide Sequence Variants

For any NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic sequence described herein, further characterization or optimization may be achieved by systematically either adding or removing amino acid residues to generate longer or shorter peptides, and testing those and sequences generated by walking a window of the longer or shorter size up or down the antigen from that point. Coupling this approach to generating new candidate targets with testing for effectiveness of antigenic molecules based on those sequences in an immunogenicity assay, as known in the art or as described herein, may lead to further manipulation of the antigen. Further still, such optimized sequences may be adjusted by, e.g., the addition, deletions, or other mutations as known in the art and/or discussed herein to further optimize the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic (e.g., increasing serum stability or circulating half-life, increasing thermal stability, enhancing delivery, enhance immunogenicity, increasing solubility, targeting to a particular in vivo location or cell type).

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may comprise conservative substitution mutations, (i.e., the substitution of one or more amino acids by similar amino acids). For example, conservative substitution refers to the substitution of an amino acid with another within the same general class, e.g., one acidic amino acid with another acidic amino acid, one basic amino acid with another basic amino acid, or one neutral amino acid by another neutral amino acid.

NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic sequences may have at least about 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100% sequence homology to any at least one of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-24. Further, the variant NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may retain the antigeniticity of the sequence from which they were derived. More preferably, the invention contemplates polypeptide sequences having at least about 95% sequence homology, even more preferably at least about 98% sequence homology, and still more preferably at least about 99% sequence homology to any one or more of the polypeptide sequences of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1-24. Methods for determining homology between amino acid sequences, as well as nucleic acid sequences, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. See, e.g., Nedelkov & Nelson (2006) New and Emerging Proteomic Techniques Humana Press.

Thus, a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may have at least about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence homology with a polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1-24. For example, a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may have at least about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence homology with SEQ ID NOs: 1-24. The variant NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may retain the antigeniticity of the sequence from which they were derived (e.g., a variant NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic with at least about 80% homology to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 may have the same antigenicity as a polypeptide with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5).

The term homology, or identity, is understood as meaning the number of agreeing amino acids (identity) with other proteins, expressed in percent. The identity is preferably determined by comparing a given sequence with other proteins with the aid of computer programs. If sequences which are compared with each other are different in length, the identity is to be determined in such a way that the number of amino acids which the short sequence shares with the longer sequence determines the percentage identity. The identity can be determined routinely by means of known computer programs which are publicly available such as, for example, ClustalW. Thompson, et al. (1994) Nucleic Acids Research 22: 4673-4680. ClustalW is publicly available from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and may be downloaded from various internet pages, inter alia the IGBMC (Institut de Généique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire) and the EBI and all mirrored EBI internet pages (European Bioinformatics Institute). If the ClustalW computer program Version 1.8 is used to determine the identity between, for example, the reference protein of the present application and other proteins, the following parameters are to be set: KTUPLE=1, TOPDIAG=5, WINDOW=5, PAIRGAP=3, GAPOPEN=10, GAPEXTEND=0.05, GAPDIST=8, MAXDIV=40, MATRIX=GONNET, ENDGAPS(OFF), NOPGAP, NOHGAP. See also European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) toolbox available on-line and Smith (2002) Protein Sequencing Protocols [2^(nd) Ed.] Humana Press.

One possibility of finding similar sequences is to carry out sequence database researches. Here, one or more sequences may be entered as what is known as a query. This query sequence is then compared with sequences present in the selected databases using statistical computer programs. Such database queries (blast searches) are known to the skilled worker and may be carried out at different suppliers. If, for example, such a database query is carried out at the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), the standard settings for the respective comparison query should be used. For protein sequence comparisons (blastp), these settings are: Limit entrez=not activated; Filter=low complexity activated; Expect value=10; word size=3; Matrix=BLOSUM62; Gap costs: Existence=11, Extension=1. The result of such a query is, among other parameters, the degree of identity between the query sequence and the similar sequences found in the databases.

NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics include functional fragments of said peptidomimetics. A “functional fragment” of said polypeptide includes a fragment of the gene or cDNA encoding said NPC-1 epitope, which fragment is capable of eliciting an immune response (e.g., humoral or cellular immune response.) Thus, for example, fragments of the NPC-1 epitope according to the invention which correspond to amino acid residues that contribute to the immunogenicity of the antigen and which fragments may serve to function as antigens to elicit an immune response (e.g., humoral or cellular immune response.) This aspect of the invention also includes differentially spliced isoforms and transcriptional starts of the polypeptides according to the invention. The polypeptides according to the invention also may comprise fragments, derivatives and allelic variants of the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. Methods and materials for making fragments of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics are well known in the art. See, e.g., Maniatis, et al. (2001) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [3^(rd) Ed.] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Variant NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may retain their antigenic specificity to bind their respective antibodies (e.g., a variant NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic binds NEO-101 antibody.) Fully antigenic variants may contain only conservative variations or variations in non-critical residues or in non-critical regions. Antigenic variants may also contain substitution of similar amino acids that result in no change or an insignificant change in antigenicity. Alternatively, such substitutions may positively or negatively affect antigenicity to some degree. Non-antigenic variants typically contain one or more non-conservative amino acid substitutions, deletions, insertions, inversions, or truncation or a substitution, insertion, inversion, or deletion in a critical residue or critical region of an epitope. Molecular biology and biochemistry techniques for modifying NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics while preserving specific antigenicity of the polypeptides for their respective antibodies are well known in the art. See, e.g., Ho, et al. (1989) Gene 77(1): 51-59; Landt, et al. (1990) Gene 96(1): 125-128; Hopp & Woods (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78(6): 3824-3828; Kolaskar & Tongaonkar (1990) FEBS Letters 276(1-2): 172-174; and Welling, et al. (1985) FEBS Letters 188(2): 215-218

Amino acids that are essential for function may be identified by methods known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis. Cunningham, et al. (1989) Sci. 244: 1081-85. The latter procedure introduces single alanine mutations at every residue in the molecule. The resulting mutant molecules are then tested for biological activity such as epitope binding or in vitro ADCC activity. Sites that are critical for ligand-receptor binding may also be determined by structural analysis such as crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, or photoaffinity labeling. Smith, et al. (1992) J. Mol. Biol. 224: 899-904; de Vos, et al. (1992) Sci. 255: 306-12.

For example, one class of substitutions is conserved amino acid substitutions. Such substitutions are those that substitute a given amino acid in a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic with another amino acid of like characteristics. Typically seen as conservative substitutions are the replacements, one for another, among the aliphatic amino acids Ala, Val, Leu, and Ile; interchange of the hydroxyl residues Ser and Thr, exchange of the acidic residues Asp and Glu, substitution between the amide residues Asn and Gln, exchange of the basic residues Lys and Arg, replacements among the aromatic residues Phe, Tyr. Guidance concerning which amino acid changes are likely to be phenotypically silent is found in, for example, Bowie, et al. (1990) Sci. 247: 1306-10. Hence, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that the inventors possess peptide variants without delineation of all the specific variants. As to amino acid sequences, one of skill will recognize that individual substitutions, deletions or additions to a nucleic acid, peptide, polypeptide, or protein sequence which alters, adds or deletes a single amino acid or a small percentage of amino acids in the encoded sequence is a “conservatively modified variant” where the alteration results in the substitution of an amino acid with a chemically similar amino acid. Conservative substitution tables providing functionally similar amino acids are well known in the art. Such conservatively modified variants are in addition to and do not exclude polymorphic variants, interspecies homologs, and alleles of the invention. See, e.g., Creighton (1992) Proteins: Structures and Molecular Properties [2^(nd) Ed.] W.H. Freeman.

Moreover, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may contain amino acids other than the twenty “naturally occurring” amino acids. Further, many amino acids, including the terminal amino acids, may be modified by natural processes, such as processing and other post-translational modifications, or by chemical modification techniques well known in the art. Known modifications include, but are not limited to, acetylation, acylation, ADP-ribosylation, amidation, covalent attachment of flavin, covalent attachment of a heme moiety, covalent attachment of a nucleotide or nucleotide derivative, covalent attachment of a lipid or lipid derivative, covalent attachment of phosphotidylinositol, cross-linking, cyclization, disulfide bond formation, demethylation, formation of covalent crosslinks, formation of cystine, formation of pyroglutamate, formylation, g-carboxylation, glycosylation, GPI anchor formation, hydroxylation, iodination, methylation, myristoylation, oxidation, proteolytic processing, phosphorylation, prenylation, racemization, selenoylation, sulfation, transfer-RNA mediated addition of amino acids to proteins such as arginylation, and ubiquitination. See Creighton (1992) Proteins: Structure and Molecular Properties [2^(nd) Ed.] and Lundblad (1995) Techniques in Protein Modification [1^(st) Ed.] Many detailed reviews are available on this subject. See, e.g., Wold (1983) Posttranslational Covalent Modification of Proteins Acad. Press, NY; Seifter, et al. (1990) Meth. Enzymol. 182: 626-46; and Rattan, et al. (1992) Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 663: 48-62.

Fusion Proteins

Fusions comprising the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, the fusion proteins may comprise a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic sequence fused to the C-terminus of the GST sequences. Such fusion proteins may facilitate the purification of the recombinant NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. Alternatively, NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be fused with a protein that binds B-cell follicles, thus initiating both a humoral immune response and activation of T cells. Berney, et al. (1999) J. Exp. Med. 190: 851-60. Alternatively, for example, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be genetically coupled with and anti-dendritic cell antibody to deliver the antigen to the immune system and stimulate a cellular immune response. He, et al. (2004) Clin. Cancer Res. 10: 1920-27. A chimeric or fusion protein of the invention may be produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques. For example, DNA fragments coding for the different polypeptide sequences are ligated together in-frame in accordance with conventional techniques, e.g., by employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for appropriate termini, filling-in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and enzymatic ligation. The fusion gene may be synthesized by conventional techniques including automated DNA synthesizers.

Fusion proteins may include C-terminal or N-terminal translocation sequences. Further, fusion proteins comprising NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may comprise additional elements, e.g., for protein detection, purification, or other applications. Detection and purification facilitating domains including but not limited to metal chelating peptides such as polyhistidine tracts, histidine-tryptophan modules, or other domains that allow purification on immobilized metals; maltose binding protein; protein A domains that allow purification on immobilized immunoglobulin; or the domain utilized in the FLAG extension/affinity purification system (Immunex Corp, Seattle Wash.)

A fusion protein comprising a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be prepared from a protein of the invention by fusion with a portion of an immunoglobulin comprising a constant region of an immunoglobulin. More preferably, the portion of the immunoglobulin comprises a heavy chain constant region which is optionally and more preferably a human heavy chain constant region. The heavy chain constant region is most preferably an IgG heavy chain constant region, and optionally and most preferably is an Fc chain, most preferably an IgG Fc fragment that comprises CH2 and CH3 domains. Although any IgG subtype may optionally be used, the IgG1 subtype is preferred. The Fc chain may optionally be a known or “wild type” Fc chain, or alternatively may be mutated. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0034852. The term “Fc chain” also optionally comprises any type of Fc fragment. Several of the specific amino acid residues that are involved in antibody constant region-mediated activity in the IgG subclass have been identified. Inclusion, substitution or exclusion of these specific amino acids therefore allows for inclusion or exclusion of specific immunoglobulin constant region-mediated activity. Furthermore, specific changes may result in aglycosylation for example and/or other desired changes to the Fc chain. At least some changes may optionally be made to block a function of Fc which is considered to be undesirable, such as an undesirable immune system effect. See McCafferty, et al. (2002) Antibody Engineering: A Practical Approach (Eds.) Oxford University Press.

The inclusion of a cleavable linker sequences such as Factor Xa (see, e.g., Ottavi, (1998) Biochimie 80: 289-93), subtilisin protease recognition motif (see, e.g., Polyak (1997) Protein Eng. 10: 615-19); enterokinase (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.), between the translocation domain (for efficient plasma membrane expression) and the rest of the newly translated polypeptide may be useful to facilitate purification. For example, one construct can include a polypeptide encoding a nucleic acid sequence linked to six histidine residues followed by a thioredoxin, an enterokinase cleavage site (see, e.g., Williams (1995) Biochemistry 34: 1787-97), and an C-terminal translocation domain. The histidine residues facilitate detection and purification while the enterokinase cleavage site provides a means for purifying the desired protein(s) from the remainder of the fusion protein. Technology pertaining to vectors encoding fusion proteins and application of fusion proteins are well described in the scientific and patent literature. See, e.g., Kroll (1993) DNA Cell. Biol. 12: 441-53.

Conjugates

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be conjugated to other moieties. Such conjugates are often used in the preparation of vaccines. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be conjugated to a carbohydrate carrier (e.g., mannose, fucose, glucose, GlcNAs, maltose), which is recognized by the mannose receptor present on dendritic cells and macrophages. The ensuing binding, aggregation, and receptor-mediated endocytosis and phagocytosis functions provide enhanced innate and adaptive immunity. See Mahnke, et al. (2000) J. Cell Biol. 151: 673-84; Dong, et al. (1999) J. Immonol. 163: 5427-34. Other moieties suitable for conjugation include carriers which elicit an immune response includes but not limited to Keyhole Limpit Hemocyannin (KLH), ovalbumin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), diphtheria toxoid, cholera toxoid, Pseudomonas exoprotein A, and microbial outer membrane proteins (OMPS). Further, NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic conjugates may be used to raise antibodies including but not limited to monoclonal antibodies that bind the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic and thus, selectively bind MUC5AC in tumor cells but not normal cells.

Polypeptide Isolation

The present invention also provides methods for isolation of the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. For example, relevant cell lines or tumor samples may be obtained from a cancer patient. After homogenization and solubilization in a detergent, the antigen is chromatographically purified. Size-exclusion or affinity chromatography may be used for this, and may be used in conjunction with NEO-101 antibody binding. See International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/041502 for a description of the NEO-100 antibodies including the NEO-101 antibody. For example, NEO-101 antibody may be immobilized on a solid support (e.g., coupled to resins, magnetic beads) for simple antigen adsorption, washing, and elution from the solid support. The eluted protein is then studied further for antigen presence, characterization, and identification. See Walker (2002) Protein Protocols Handbook [2^(nd) Ed.] Humana Press and Cultur (2003) [Ed.] Protein Purification Protocols Humana Press.

The antigen isolated in this way may be used for preparing a pharmaceutical using the conventional pharmaceutical excipient and carrier substance. For example, in-vivo administration of the purified antigen in a physiological NaCl solution.

Additionally, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics according to the invention may serve as an antigen in the identification of activities as part of a high-throughput screening. High-throughput screening methods are known to persons skilled in the art. Wells (2002) High Throughout Bioanalytical Sample Preparation Elsevier Health Sciences.

Antibodies which Bind NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetic

The present invention also provides antibodies that bind the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic including but not limited monoclonal and humanized monoclonal antibodies (e.g., NEO-101 antibody as described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/041502). Such antibodies also selectively bind aberrant MUC5AC in tumor cells but not normal cells (e.g., healthy cells). The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics binding antibodies may be admixed in compositions with pharmaceutical carriers and antibodies (e.g., NEO-201 and/or NEO-301 monoclonal antibodies). Exemplary NPC-1 binding antibodies (e.g., NEO-100 antibodies) are provided in Table 4.

TABLE 4 NEO-100 Series Antibodies which selectively bind a NPC-1 epitope. Antibody Aliases Antigen Exemplary SEQ ID NOs Description NPC-1 NPC-1 Murine hybridoma that expresses NPC-1 IgG1 (ATCC) NEO-101 NPC-1C, NPC-1 Light Chain (SEQ ID NOs: 57, 58) Chimeric NEO-101 antibody, ensituximab LC CDRs (SEQ ID NOs: 59-61) engineered in CHO-DG44 Heavy Chain (SEQ ID NOs: 62, 63) production cell clone 4B7; targets a HC CDRs (SEQ ID NOs: 64-66) variant of MUC5AC NEO-102 NPC-1 Light Chain (SEQ ID NOs: 67, 68) Chimeric NEO-101 antibody, LC CDRs (SEQ ID NOs: 69-71) engineered in CHO-M production Heavy Chain (SEQ ID NOs: 72, 73) cells, contains 2 amino acid changes HC CDRs (SEQ ID NOs: 74-76) in HC constant domain* NEO-103 NPC-1 Light Chain (SEQ ID NOs: 77, 78) Humanized NEO-101 antibody Heavy Chain (SEQ ID NOs: 79, 80)

Antibodies may comprise of two identical light polypeptide chains of molecular weight approximately 23,000 daltons (“light chain”), and two identical heavy chains of molecular weight 53,000-70,000 (“heavy chain”). See Edelman (1971) Ann. NY. Acad. Sci. 190: 5. The four chains are joined by disulfide bonds in a “Y” configuration wherein the light chains bracket the heavy chains starting at the mouth of the “Y” configuration. The “branch” portion of the “Y” configuration is designated the F_(ab) region; the stem portion of the “Y” configuration is designated the F_(C) region. The amino acid sequence orientation runs from the N-terminal end at the top of the “Y” configuration to the C-terminal end at the bottom of each chain. The N-terminal end possesses the variable region having specificity for the antigen that elicited it, and is about 100 amino acids in length, there being slight variations between light and heavy chain and from antibody to antibody.

The variable region is linked in each chain to a constant region that extends the remaining length of the chain and that within a particular class of antibody does not vary with the specificity of the antibody (i.e., the antigen eliciting it). There are five known major classes of constant regions that determine the class of the immunoglobulin molecule (e.g., IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE corresponding to γ, μ, α, δ, and ε heavy chain constant regions). The constant region or class determines subsequent effector function of the antibody, including activation of complement (Kabat (1976) Structural Concepts in Immunology and Immunochemistry [2^(nd) Ed.] pages 413-436; Holt, Rinehart, Winston) and other cellular responses (Andrews, et al. (1980) Clinical Immunobiology 1-18; Kohl, et al. (1983) Immunology 48: 187) while the variable region determines the antigen with which it will react. Light chains are classified as either δ (kappa) or λ (lambda). Each heavy chain class may be prepared with either kappa or lambda light chain. The light and heavy chains are covalently bonded to each other, and the “tail” portions of the two heavy chains are bonded to each other by covalent disulfide linkages when the immunoglobulins are generated either by hybridomas or by B cells.

Specific binding to an antibody under such conditions may require an antibody that is selected for its specificity for a particular protein. For example, polyclonal antibodies raised to seminal basic protein from specific species such as rat, mouse, or human can be selected to obtain only those polyclonal antibodies that are specifically immunoreactive with seminal basic protein and not with other proteins, except for polymorphic variants and alleles of seminal basic protein. This selection may be achieved by subtracting out antibodies that cross-react with seminal basic protein molecules from other species. A variety of immunoassay formats may be used to select antibodies specifically immunoreactive with a particular protein. For example, solid-phase ELISA immunoassays are routinely used to select antibodies specifically immunoreactive with a protein. See, e.g., Harlow & Lane (1998) USING ANTIBODIES: A LABORATORY MANUAL Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, for a description of immunoassay formats and conditions that can be used to determine specific immunoreactivity. Typically a specific or selective reaction will be at least twice background signal or noise and more typically more than about 10 to 100 times background.

Polyclonal Antibody

Polyclonal antibodies are heterogeneous populations of antibody molecules derived from the sera of animals immunized with an antigen. Polyclonal antibodies which selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be made by methods well-known in the art. See, e.g., Howard & Kaser (2007) Making and Using Antibodies: A Practical Handbook CRC Press.

Monoclonal Antibody

A monoclonal antibody contains a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies specific to antigens, which population contains substantially similar epitope binding sites. Monoclonal antibodies may be obtained by methods known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g. Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256: 495-497; U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,110; Ausubel, et al. [Eds.] (2011) CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Greene Publishing Assoc. and Wiley Interscience, NY.; and Harlow & Lane (1998) USING ANTIBODIES: A LABORATORY MANUAL Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Colligan, et al. (2005) [Eds.] Current Protocols in Immunology Greene Publishing Assoc. and Wiley Interscience, NY. Such antibodies may be of any immunoglobulin class including IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA, GILD and any subclass thereof. A hybridoma producing an antibody of the present invention may be cultivated in vitro, in situ, or in vivo. Examples of monoclonal antibodies that bind a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic include but are not limited to an NEO-101 antibody which selectively binds the NPC-1 epitope (e.g., exemplary light chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 57, 58 with CDRs depicted in SEQ ID NO: 59-61 and heavy chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 62, 63 with CDRs depicted in SEQ ID NO: 64-66, exemplary light chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 67, 68 with CDRs depicted in SEQ ID NO: 69-71 and heavy chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 72, 73 with CDRs depicted in SEQ ID NO: 74-76, and exemplary light chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 77, 78 and heavy chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 79, 80).

Chimeric Antibody

Chimeric antibodies are molecules different portions of which are derived from different animal species, such as those having variable region derived from a murine antibody and a human immunoglobulin constant region, which are primarily used to reduce immunogenicity in application and to increase yields in production, for example, where murine monoclonal antibodies have higher yields from hybridomas but higher immunogenicity in humans, such that human murine chimeric monoclonal antibodies are used. Chimeric antibodies and methods for their production are known in the art. See Cabilly, et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci, USA 81: 3273-3277; Morrison, et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 6851-6855, Boulianne, et al. (1984) Nature 312: 643-646; Neuberger, et al. (1985) Nature 314: 268-270; European Patent Application 173494 (1986); WO 86/01533 (1986); European Patent Application 184187 (1986); Sahagan, et al. (1986) J. Immunol. 137: 1066-1074; Liu, et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84: 3439-3443; Sun, et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84: 214-218; Better, et al. (1988) Science 240: 1041-1043; and Harlow & Lane (1998) USING ANTIBODIES: A LABORATORY MANUAL Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,659. Exemplary chimeric antibodies include but are not limited to NEO-101 (NEO-101) which selectively binds NPC-1 epitope (e.g., exemplary light chain are depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 52, 58 with CDRS depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 59-61 and heavy chain depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 62, 63 with CDRs depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 64-66); NEO-102 which selectively binds NPC-1 epitope (e.g., exemplary light chain are depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 67, 68 with CDRS depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 69-71 and heavy chain depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 72, 73 with CDRs depicted in SEQ ID NOs: 74-76).

Humanized Antibody

Humanized antibodies are engineered to contain even more human-like immunoglobulin domains, and incorporate only the complementarity-determining regions of the animal-derived antibody. This may be accomplished by examining the sequence of the hyper-variable loops of the variable regions of the monoclonal antibody, and fitting them to the structure of the human antibody chains. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,287. Likewise, other methods of producing humanized antibodies are now well known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,539; 5,530,101; 5,585,089; 5,693,762; 6,054,297; 6,180,370; 6,407,213; 6,548,640; 6,632,927; and 6,639,055; Jones, et al. (1986) Nature 321: 522-525; Reichmann, et al. (1988) Nature 332: 323-327; Verhoeyen, et al. (1988) Science 239: 1534-36; and Zhiqiang An (2009) [Ed.] Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies: From Bench to Clinic John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Examples of humanized antibodies include but are not limited to NEO-103 which selectively binds the NPC-1 epitope (e.g., exemplary light chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 77, 78 and heavy chain are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 79, 80).

Antibody Fragments

In addition to entire immunoglobulins (or their recombinant counterparts), immunoglobulin fragments comprising the epitope binding site (e.g., Fab′, F(ab′)₂, or other fragments) may be synthesized. “Fragment,” or minimal immunoglobulins may be designed utilizing recombinant immunoglobulin techniques. For instance “Fv” immunoglobulins for use in the present invention may be produced by synthesizing a fused variable light chain region and a variable heavy chain region. Combinations of antibodies are also of interest, e.g. diabodies, which comprise two distinct Fv specificities. Antigen-binding fragments of immunoglobulins include but are not limited to SMIPs (small molecule immunopharmaceuticals), camelbodies, nanobodies, and IgNAR.

Anti-Idiotypic Antibody

An anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibody is an antibody which recognizes unique determinants generally associated with the antigen-binding site of an antibody. An Id antibody may be prepared by immunizing an animal of the same species and genetic type (e.g., mouse strain) as the source of the antibody with the antibody to which an anti-Id is being prepared. The immunized animal will recognize and respond to the idiotypic determinants of the immunizing antibody by producing an antibody to these idiotypic determinants (the anti-Id antibody). See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,880. The anti-Id antibody may also be used as an “immunogen” to induce an immune response in yet another animal, producing a so-called anti-anti-Id antibody. The anti-anti-Id may be epitopically identical to the original antibody which induced the anti-Id. Thus, by using antibodies to the idiotypic determinants of an antibody it is possible to identify other clones expressing antibodies of identical specificity. An examplary anti-idiotypic antibody is 4B6, which selectively binds the NEO-101 antibody, both of which are described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/041502. This anti-idiotypic antibody specific for NEO-1 antibody. In one embodiment, the light chain of said antibody may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81. In one embodiment, the light chain of said antibody may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82. In one embodiment, the light chain of said antibody may comprise CDRs comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83 and 84 and the peptide sequence Trp-Ala-Ser. In one embodiment, the heavy chain of said antibody may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85. In one embodiment, the heavy chain of said antibody may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86. In one embodiment, the heavy chain of said antibody may comprise CDRs comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 87, 88, and 89.

Engineered and Modified Antibodies

An antibody of the invention further may be prepared using an antibody having one or more of the VH and/or VL sequences derived from an antibody starting material to engineer a modified antibody, which modified antibody may have altered properties from the starting antibody. An antibody may be engineered by modifying one or more residues within one or both variable regions (i.e., VH and/or VL), for example within one or more CDR regions and/or within one or more framework regions. Additionally or alternatively, an antibody may be engineered by modifying residues within the constant region(s), for example to alter the effector function(s) of the antibody.

One type of variable region engineering that may be performed is CDR grafting. Antibodies interact with target antigens predominantly through amino acid residues that are located in the six heavy and light chain complementarity determining regions (CDRs). For this reason, the amino acid sequences within CDRs are more diverse between individual antibodies than sequences outside of CDRs. Because CDR sequences are responsible for most antibody-antigen interactions, it is possible to express recombinant antibodies that mimic the properties of specific naturally occurring antibodies by constructing expression vectors that include CDR sequences from the specific naturally occurring antibody grafted onto framework sequences from a different antibody with different properties. See, e.g., Riechmann, et al. (1998) Nature 332: 323-327; Jones, et al. (1986) Nature 321: 522-525; Queen, et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. U.S.A. 86: 10029-10033; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,539; 5,530,101; 5,585,089; 5,693,762; and 6,180,370.

Suitable framework sequences may be obtained from public DNA databases or published references that include germline antibody gene sequences. For example, germline DNA sequences for human heavy and light chain variable region genes may be found in the “VBase” human germline sequence database (available on the Internet), as well as in Kabat, E. A., et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242; Tomlinson, et al. (1992) “The Repertoire of Human Germline VH Sequences Reveals about Fifty Groups of VH Segments with Different Hypervariable Loops” J. Mol. Biol. 227: 776-798; and Cox, et al. (1994) Eur. J. Immunol. 24: 827-836.

Another type of variable region modification is to mutate amino acid residues within the VH and/or VL CDR 1, CDR2 and/or CDR3 regions to thereby improve one or more binding properties (e.g., affinity) of the antibody of interest. Site-directed mutagenesis or PCR-mediated mutagenesis may be performed to introduce the mutation(s) and the effect on antibody binding, or other functional property of interest, may be evaluated in appropriate in vitro or in vivo assays. Preferably conservative modifications (as discussed herein) may be introduced. The mutations may be amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions, but are preferably substitutions. Moreover, typically no more than one, two, three, four or five residues within a CDR region are altered.

Engineered antibodies of the invention include those in which modifications have been made to framework residues within VH and/or VL, e.g. to improve the properties of the antibody. Typically such framework modifications are made to decrease the immunogenicity of the antibody. For example, one approach is to “backmutate” one or more framework residues to the corresponding germline sequence. More specifically, an antibody that has undergone somatic mutation may contain framework residues that differ from the germline sequence from which the antibody is derived. Such residues may be identified by comparing the antibody framework sequences to the germline sequences from which the antibody is derived.

In addition or alternative to modifications made within the framework or CDR regions, antibodies of the invention may be engineered to include modifications within the Fc region, typically to alter one or more functional properties of the antibody, such as serum half-life, complement fixation, Fc receptor binding, and/or antigen-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Furthermore, an antibody of the invention may be chemically modified (e.g., one or more chemical moieties may be attached to the antibody) or be modified to alter its glycosylation, again to alter one or more functional properties of the antibody. Such embodiments are described further below. The numbering of residues in the Fc region is that of the EU index of Kabat.

The hinge region of CH1 may be modified such that the number of cysteine residues in the hinge region is altered, e.g., increased or decreased. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,425. The number of cysteine residues in the hinge region of CH1 may be altered to, for example, facilitate assembly of the light and heavy chains or to increase or decrease the stability of the antibody.

The Fc hinge region of an antibody may be mutated to decrease the biological half life of the antibody. More specifically, one or more amino acid mutations may be introduced into the CH2-CH3 domain interface region of the Fc-hinge fragment such that the antibody has impaired Staphylococcyl protein A (SpA) binding relative to native Fc-hinge domain SpA binding. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,745.

The antibody may be modified to increase its biological half life. Various approaches are possible. For example, one or more of the following mutations may be introduced: T252L, T254S, T256F. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,375. Alternatively, to increase the biological half life, the antibody may be altered within the CH1 or CL region to contain a salvage receptor binding epitope taken from two loops of a CH2 domain of an Fc region of an IgG. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,869,046 and 6,121,022.

The Fc region may be altered by replacing at least one amino acid residue with a different amino acid residue to alter the effector function(s) of the antibody. For example, one or more amino acids selected from amino acid residues 234, 235, 236, 237, 297, 318, 320 and 322 may be replaced with a different amino acid residue such that the antibody has an altered affinity for an effector ligand but retains the antigen-binding ability of the parent antibody. The effector ligand to which affinity may be altered may be, for example, an Fc receptor or the C1 component of complement. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,821 and 5,648,260.

The Fc region may be modified to increase the ability of the antibody to mediate antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or to increase the affinity of the antibody for an Fcy receptor by modifying one or more amino acids at the following positions: 238, 239, 248, 249, 252, 254, 255, 256, 258, 265, 267, 268, 269, 270, 272, 276, 278, 280, 283, 285, 286, 289, 290, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 298, 301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 312, 315, 320, 322, 324, 326, 327, 329, 330, 331, 333, 334, 335, 337, 338, 340, 360, 373, 376, 378, 382, 388, 389, 398, 414, 416, 419, 430, 434, 435, 437, 438 or 439. See WO 00/42072. Moreover, the binding sites on human IgG1 for FcγRI, FcγRII, FcγRIII and FcRn have been mapped and variants with improved binding. See Shields, et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276: 6591-6604. Specific mutations at positions 256, 290, 298, 333, 334 and 339 are shown to improve binding to FcγRIII. Additionally, the following combination mutants are shown to improve FcγRIII binding: T256A/S298A, S298A/E333A, S298A/K224A and S298A/E333A/K334A.

The glycosylation of an antibody may be modified. For example, an aglycoslated antibody may be made (i.e., the antibody lacks glycosylation). Glycosylation may be altered to, for example, increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen. Such carbohydrate modifications may be accomplished by, for example, altering one or more sites of glycosylation within the antibody sequence. For example, one or more amino acid substitutions may be made that result in elimination of one or more variable region framework glycosylation sites to thereby eliminate glycosylation at that site. Such aglycosylation may increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,714,350 and 6,350,861.

Additionally or alternatively, an antibody may be made that has an altered type of glycosylation, such as a hypofucosylated antibody having reduced amounts of fucosyl residues or an antibody having increased bisecting GlcNac structures. Such altered glycosylation patterns have been demonstrated to increase the ADCC ability of antibodies. Such carbohydrate modifications may be accomplished by, for example, expressing the antibody in a host cell with altered glycosylation machinery. Cells with altered glycosylation machinery have been described in the art and may be used as host cells in which to express recombinant antibodies of the invention to thereby produce an antibody with altered glycosylation. See U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0110704 and Yamane-Ohnuki, et al. (2004) Biotechnol Bioeng. 87: 614-22; EP 1176195 (2002); WO 2003/035835; Shields, et al. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277: 26733-26740; WO 99/54342; Umana, et al. (1999) Nat. Biotech. 17: 176-180; and Tarentino, et al. (1975) Biochem. 14: 5516-23.

An antibody may be pegylated to, for example, increase the biological (e.g., serum) half life of the antibody. To pegylate an antibody, the antibody, or fragment thereof, typically is reacted with polyethylene glycol (PEG), such as a reactive ester or aldehyde derivative of PEG, under conditions in which one or more PEG groups become attached to the antibody or antibody fragment. Preferably, the pegylation is carried out via an acylation reaction or an alkylation reaction with a reactive PEG molecule (or an analogous reactive water-soluble polymer).

The invention also provides variants and equivalents that are substantially homologous to the antibodies, antibody fragments, diabodies, SMIPs, camelbodies, nanobodies, IgNAR, polypeptides, variable regions and CDRs set forth herein. These may contain, e.g., conservative substitution mutations, (i.e., the substitution of one or more amino acids by similar amino acids). For example, conservative substitution refers to the substitution of an amino acid with another within the same general class, e.g., one acidic amino acid with another acidic amino acid, one basic amino acid with another basic amino acid, or one neutral amino acid by another neutral amino acid.

Methods of Engineering Antibodies

Antibodies having VH and VL sequences disclosed herein may be used to create new variant antibodies by modifying the VH and/or VL sequences, or the constant region(s) attached thereto. Thus, the structural features of an variant antibody of the invention, are used to create structurally related variant antibodies that retain at least one functional property of the antibodies of the invention, such as binding to NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic. The starting material for the engineering method may be one or more of the VH and/or VK sequences provided herein, or one or more CDR regions thereof. To create the engineered antibody, it is not necessary to actually prepare (i.e., express as a protein) an antibody having one or more of the VH and/or VK sequences provided herein, or one or more CDR regions thereof. Rather, the information contained in the sequence(s) is used as the starting material to create a “second generation” sequence(s) derived from the original sequence(s) and then the “second generation” sequence(s) is prepared and expressed as a protein. Standard molecular biology techniques may be used to prepare and express altered antibody sequence.

Mutations may be introduced randomly or selectively along all or part of an antibody coding sequence and the resulting modified antibodies may be screened for binding activity and/or other desired functional properties. See WO 2002/092780 and WO 2003/074679.

Nucleic Acids Encoding the NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetic

Another aspect of the invention pertains to nucleic acid molecules that encode the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic. The nucleic acids may be present in whole cells, in a cell lysate, or in a partially purified or substantially pure form. A nucleic acid may be isolated by purification away from other cellular components or other contaminants (e.g., other cellular nucleic acids or proteins) by standard techniques, including alkaline/SDS treatment, CsCl banding, column chromatography, agarose gel electrophoresis and others well known in the art. See Ausubel, et al. (2011) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology John Wiley & Sons, Inc. A nucleic acid of the invention may be, for example, DNA or RNA and may or may not contain intronic sequences. The nucleic acid may be a cDNA molecule.

Nucleic acids of the invention may be obtained using standard molecular biology techniques. For antibodies expressed by hybridomas (e.g., hybridomas prepared from transgenic mice carrying human immunoglobulin genes as described further below), cDNAs encoding the light and heavy chains of the antibody made by the hybridoma may be obtained by standard PCR amplification or cDNA cloning techniques. For antibodies obtained from an immunoglobulin gene library (e.g., using phage display techniques), nucleic acid encoding the antibody may be recovered from the library.

Specifically, degenerate codon substitutions may be achieved by generating, e.g., sequences in which the third position of one or more selected codons is substituted with mixed-base and/or deoxyinosine residues. Batzer, et al. (1991) Nucleic Acid Res. 19: 5081; Ohtsuka, et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260: 2605-08; Rossolini, et al. (1994) Mol. Cell. Probes 8: 91-98.

Methods of Producing Recombinantly Producing NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetics

The present invention also provides methods for recombinantly producing the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic. Methods of producing peptidomimetics are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics of the invention may also be produced by constructing, using conventional techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, an expression vector containing an operon and a DNA sequence encoding the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. Furthermore, the invention relates to vectors, especially plasmids, cosmids, viruses, bacteriophages and other vectors common in genetic engineering, which contain the above-mentioned nucleic acid molecules of the invention. The nucleic acid molecules contained in the vectors may be linked to regulatory elements that ensure the transcription in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Vectors contain elements that facilitate manipulation for the expression of a foreign protein within the target host cell. Conveniently, manipulation of sequences and production of DNA for transformation is first performed in a bacterial host (e.g., E. coli) and usually vectors will include sequences to facilitate such manipulations, including a bacterial origin of replication and appropriate bacterial selection marker. Selection markers encode proteins necessary for the survival or growth of transformed host cells grown in a selective culture medium. Host cells not transformed with the vector containing the selection gene will not survive in the culture medium. Typical selection genes encode proteins that confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxins, complement auxotrophic deficiencies, or supply critical nutrients not available from complex media. Exemplary vectors and methods for transformation of yeast are described in the art. See, e.g., Burke, et al. (2000) Methods in Yeast Genetics Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

The polypeptide coding sequence of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be operably linked to transcriptional and translational regulatory sequences that provide for expression of the polypeptide in yeast cells. These vector components may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following; an enhancer element, a promoter, and a transcription termination sequence. Sequences for the secretion of the polypeptide may also be included (e.g., a signal sequence).

Nucleic acids are “operably linked” when placed into a functional relationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For example, DNA for a signal sequence is operably linked to DNA for a polypeptide if it is expressed as a preprotein that participates in the secretion of the polypeptide; a promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects the transcription of the sequence. Generally, “operably linked” refers broadly to contiguous linked DNA sequences, and, in the case of a secretory leader, contiguous and in reading frame. However, enhancers do not have to be contiguous.

Promoters are untranslated sequences located upstream (5′) to the start codon of a structural gene (generally within about 100 to 1000 bp) that control the transcription and translation of particular nucleic acid sequences to which they are operably linked. Such promoters fall into several classes: inducible, constitutive, and repressible promoters (e.g., that increase levels of transcription in response to absence of a repressor). Inducible promoters may initiate increased levels of transcription from DNA under their control in response to some change in culture conditions (e.g., the presence or absence of a nutrient or a change in temperature.)

The expression vectors are transfected into a host cell by convention techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art to produce a transfected host cell, said transfected host cell cultured by conventional techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art to produce said NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics.

The host cells used to express the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be either a bacterial cell such as E. coli, yeast (e.g., S. cerevisiae), or a eukaryotic cell (e.g., a mammalian cell line). A mammalian cell of a well-defined type for this purpose, such as a myeloma cell, 3T3, HeLa, C6A2780, Vero, MDCK II, a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), Sf9, Sf21, COS, NSO, or HEK293 cell line may be used.

The general methods by which the vectors may be constructed, transfection methods required to produce the host cell and culturing methods required to produce the antibodies, and fragments thereof, from said host cells all include conventional techniques. Although preferably the cell line used to produce the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics is a mammalian cell line, any other suitable cell line, such as a bacterial cell line such as an E. coli-derived bacterial strain, or a yeast cell line, may be used.

Similarly, once produced the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be purified according to standard procedures in the art, such as for example cross-flow filtration, ammonium sulphate precipitation, and affinity column chromatography.

Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies that Bind a NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetic Using Animals

Antibodies that selectively bind NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be human monoclonal antibodies. Such human monoclonal antibodies directed against a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be generated using transgenic or transchromosomic mice carrying parts of the human immune system rather than the mouse system. These transgenic and transchromosomic mice include mice referred to herein as the HuMAb Mouse® and KM Mouse® respectively, and are collectively referred to herein as “human Ig mice.” The HuMAb Mouse® (Medarex. Inc.) contains human immunoglobulin gene miniloci that encode unrearranged human heavy (μ and γ) and κ light chain immunoglobulin sequences, together with targeted mutations that inactivate the endogenous μ and κ chain loci. See, e.g., Lonberg, et al. (1994) Nature 368(6474): 856-859. Accordingly, the mice exhibit reduced expression of mouse IgM or κ, and in response to immunization, the introduced human heavy and light chain transgenes undergo class switching and somatic mutation to generate high affinity human IgGκ monoclonal. Lonberg (1994) Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 113: 49-101; Lonberg and Huszar (1995) Intern. Rev. Immunol. 13: 65-93, and Harding and Lonberg (1995) Ann. NY. Acad. Sci. 764: 536-546. The preparation and use of the HuMab Mouse®, and the genomic modifications carried by such mice, is further described in Taylor, et al. (1992) Nucleic Acids Research 20: 6287-6295; Chen, et al. (1993) International Immunology 5: 647-656; Tuaillon, et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 3720-3724; Choi, et al. (1993) Nature Genetics 4: 117-123; Chen, et al. (1993) EMBO J. 12: 821-830; Tuaillon, et al. (1994) J. Immunol. 152: 2912-2920; Taylor, et al. (1994) International Immunology 6: 579-591; and Fishwild, et al. (1996) Nature Biotechnology 14: 845-851. See further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,806; 5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; 5,789,650; 5,877,397; 5,661,016; 5,814,318; 5,874,299; 5,770,429; and 5,545,807; WO 92/03918, WO 93/12227, WO 94/25585; WO 97/13852; WO 98/24884; WO 99/45962; and WO 01/14424.

Human antibodies that selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics of the invention may be raised using a mouse that carries human immunoglobulin sequences on transgenes and transchromosomes, such as a mouse that carries a human heavy chain transgene and a human light chain transchromosome. Such mice, referred to herein as “KM Mice®”, are described in detail in WO 02/43478.

Still further, alternative transgenic animal systems expressing human immunoglobulin genes are available in the art and may be used to raise antibodies that selectively bind NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. For example, an alternative transgenic system referred to as the Xenomouse (Abgenix, Inc.) may be used; such mice are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,939,598; 6,075,181; 6,114,598; 6,150,584 and 6,162,963.

Moreover, alternative transchromosomic animal systems expressing human immunoglobulin genes are available in the art and may be used to raise antibodies that selectively bind NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. For example, mice carrying both a human heavy chain transchromosome and a human light chain transchromosome, referred to as “TC mice” may be used. See Tomizuka, et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97: 722-727. Furthermore, cows carrying human heavy and light chain transchromosomes have been described in the art (Kuroiwa, et al. (2002) Nature Biotechnology 20: 889-894) and may be used to raise antibodies that selectively bind NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics

Human monoclonal antibodies of the invention may also be prepared using phage display methods for screening libraries of human immunoglobulin genes. Such phage display methods for isolating human antibodies are established in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,223,409; 5,403,484; 5,571,698; 5,427,908; 5,580,717; 5,969,108; 6,172,197; 5,885,793; 6,521,404; 6,544,731; 6,555,313; 6,582,915 and 6,593,081.

Human monoclonal antibodies of the invention may also be prepared using SCID mice into which human immune cells have been reconstituted such that a human antibody response may be generated upon immunization. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,476,996 and 5,698,767.

When human Ig mice are used to raise human antibodies of the invention, such mice may be immunized with a purified or enriched preparation of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic, as described by Lonberg, et al. (1994) Nature 368(6474): 856-859; Fishwild, et al. (1996) Nature Biotechnology 14: 845-851; WO 98/24884 and WO 01/14424. Preferably, the mice will be 6-16 weeks of age upon the first infusion. For example, a purified or recombinant preparation (5-50 μg) of NPC-1 epitope may be used to immunize the human Ig mice intraperitoneally.

Prior experience with various antigens by others has shown that the transgenic mice respond when initially immunized intraperitoneally (IP) with antigen in complete Freund's adjuvant, followed by every other week IP immunizations (up to a total of 6) with antigen in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. However, adjuvants other than Freund's are also found to be effective. In addition, whole cells in the absence of adjuvant are found to be highly immunogenic. The immune response may be monitored over the course of the immunization protocol with plasma samples being obtained by retroorbital bleeds. The plasma may be screened by ELISA (as described below), and mice with sufficient titers of anti-NPC-1 human immunoglobulin may be used for fusions. Mice may be boosted intravenously with antigen 3 days before sacrifice and removal of the spleen. It is expected that 2-3 fusions for each immunization may need to be performed. Between 6 and 24 mice are typically immunized for each antigen. Usually both HCo7 and HCo12 strains are used. In addition, both HCo7 and HCo12 transgene may be bred together into a single mouse having two different human heavy chain transgenes (HCo7/HCo12). Alternatively or additionally, the KM Mouse® strain may be used.

Generation of Hybridomas Producing Human Monoclonal Antibodies of the Invention

To generate hybridomas producing human monoclonal antibodies of the invention, splenocytes and/or lymph node cells from immunized mice may be isolated and fused to an appropriate immortalized cell line, such as a mouse myeloma cell line. The resulting hybridomas may be screened for the production of antigen-specific antibodies. For example, single cell suspensions of splenic lymphocytes from immunized mice may be fused to one-sixth the number of P3X63-Ag8.653 nonsecreting mouse myeloma cells (ATCC, CRL 1580) with 50% PEG. Cells may be plated at approximately 2×10⁻⁵ in flat bottom microtiter plate, followed by a two week incubation in selective medium containing 20% fetal Clone Serum, 18% “653” conditioned media, 5% origen (IGEN), 4 mM L-glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 5 mM HEPES, 0.055 mM 2-mercaptoethanol, 50 units/ml penicillin, 50 mg/ml streptomycin, 50 mg/ml gentamycin and 1×HAT (Sigma; the HAT is added 24 hours after the fusion). After approximately two weeks, cells may be cultured in medium in which the HAT is replaced with HT. Individual wells may then be screened by ELISA for human monoclonal IgM and IgG antibodies. Once extensive hybridoma growth occurs, medium may be observed usually after 10-14 days. The antibody secreting hybridomas may be replated, screened again, and if still positive for human IgG, the monoclonal antibodies may be subcloned at least twice by limiting dilution. The stable subclones may then be cultured in vitro to generate small amounts of antibody in tissue culture medium for characterization.

To purify human monoclonal antibodies, selected hybridomas may be grown in two-liter spinner-flasks for monoclonal antibody purification. Supernatants may be filtered and concentrated before affinity chromatography with protein A-Sepharose (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) Eluted IgG may be checked by gel electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography to ensure purity. The buffer solution may be exchanged into PBS, and the concentration may be determined by OD280 using 1.43 extinction coefficient. The monoclonal antibodies may be aliquoted and stored at −80° C.

Polynucleotides Encoding NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetics

The present invention also provides MUC5AC antigen nucleotides which encode NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. The present invention also provides for fragments, sequences hybridizable with, and sequences homologous to the polynucleotide sequences that encode a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic which are at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or 100%.

The invention also provides polynucleotides comprising at least one NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic sequence encoding similar polypeptides with different codon usage, altered sequences characterized by mutations, such as deletion, insertion or substitution of one or more nucleotides, either naturally occurring or man induced, either randomly or in a targeted fashion. The present invention also encompasses homologous nucleic acid sequences (e.g., which form a part of a polynucleotide sequence of the present invention), which include sequence regions unique to the polynucleotides of the present invention.

The present invention also encompasses nucleic acids encoding homologues of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics, such homologues can be at least about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or 100% identical homologous to the amino acid sequences set forth herein, as may be determined using BlastP software of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) using default parameters. The present invention also encompasses fragments of the above described polynucleotides and polypeptides having mutations, such as deletions, insertions or substitutions of one or more nucleic acids, either naturally occurring or man induced, either randomly or in a targeted fashion.

Nucleic acid molecules may encode a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic of said nucleic acid molecule. A “functional fragment” of said nucleic acid includes a fragment of the gene or cDNA encoding said NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic, which fragment is capable of being expressed to produce a NPC-1 epitope capable of eliciting an immune response (e.g., antibodies which selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope) Thus, for example, fragments of the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic according to the invention which correspond to amino acid residues that contribute to the immunogenicity of the antigen and which fragments may serve to function as antigens to elicit an immune response (e.g., humoral or cellular immune response.) This aspect of the invention also includes differentially spliced isoforms and transcriptional starts of the nucleic acids according to the invention. The nucleic acid molecules according to the invention also comprise fragments, derivatives and allelic variants of the nucleic acid molecules described above that encodes a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic according to the invention. Methods and materials for making nucleic acids encoding fragments of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics are well known in the art. See, e.g., Maniatis, et al. (2001) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [3^(rd) Ed.] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Furthermore, identity refers broadly to the that functional and/or structural equivalence that exists between the nucleic acid molecules concerned or the proteins coded by them. The nucleic acid molecules, which are homologous to the molecules described above and constitute derivatives of these molecules, are generally variations of these molecules, which constitute modifications, which execute the same biological function. At the same time, the variations may occur naturally, for example they may be sequences from other species, or they may be mutants, wherein these mutants may have occurred in a natural manner or have been introduced by objective mutagenesis. The variations may also be synthetically manufactured sequences. The allelic variants may be both naturally occurring variants and also synthetically manufactured variants or variants produced by recombinant DNA techniques. Nucleic acid molecules, which deviate from nucleic acid molecules according to the invention due to degeneration of the genetic code, constitute a special form of derivatives.

Included also within the scope of the invention is any nucleotide sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics thereof. Because the genetic code is degenerate, more than one codon may be used to encode a particular amino acid. Using the genetic code, one or more different nucleotides may be identified, each of which would be capable of encoding the amino acid. The probability that a particular nucleotide will, in fact, constitute the actual codon encoding sequence may be estimated by considering abnormal base pairing relationships and the frequency with which a particular codon is actually used (to encode a particular amino acid) in eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells expressing a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic thereof. Such “codon usage rules” are disclosed by Lathe, et al. (1985) J. Molec. Biol. 183: 1-12.

Modified NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetics

The nucleotides of the present invention may be modified polynucleotides. Unmodified nucleotide are often less optimal in some applications, e.g., prone to degradation by cellular nucleases. Chemical modifications to one or more of the subunits of oligonucleotide may confer improved properties, e.g., may render polynucleotides more stable to nucleases. Typical oligonucleotide modifications are well-known in the art and may include one or more of: (i) alteration, e.g., replacement, of one or both of the non-linking phosphate oxygens and/or of one or more of the linking phosphate oxygens in the phosphodiester intersugar linkage; (ii) alteration, e.g., replacement, of a constituent of the ribose sugar, e.g., of the modification or replacement of the 2′ hydroxyl on the ribose sugar; (iii) wholesale replacement of the phosphate moiety; (iv) modification or replacement of a naturally occurring base with a non-natural base; (v) replacement or modification of the ribose-phosphate backbone, e.g. with peptide nucleic acid (PNA); (vi) modification of the 3′ end or 5′ end of the oligonucleotide; and (vii) modification of the sugar, e.g., six membered rings. Polynucleotides used in accordance with this invention may be synthesized by any number of means well-known in the art, or purchased from a variety of commercial vendors (LC Sciences, Houston, Tex.; Promega, Madison, Wis.; Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.).

Isolation and expression of the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic, or fragments and variants thereof, of the invention may be effected by well-established cloning procedures using probes or primers constructed based on the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic nucleic acids sequences disclosed in the application. Related NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic sequences may also be identified from human or other species genomic databases using the sequences disclosed herein and known computer-based search technologies, e.g., BLAST sequence searching. The pseudogenes disclosed herein may be used to identify functional alleles or related genes.

Expression vectors can then be used to infect or transfect host cells for the functional expression of these sequences. These genes and vectors can be made and expressed in vitro or in vivo. One of skill will recognize that desired phenotypes for altering and controlling nucleic acid expression can be obtained by modulating the expression or activity of the genes and nucleic acids (e.g., promoters, enhancers) within the vectors of the invention. Any of the known methods described for increasing or decreasing expression or activity can be used.

The polynucleotide sequences provided herein may be generated according to any oligonucleotide synthesis method known in the art such as enzymatic synthesis or solid phase synthesis. Equipment and reagents for executing solid-phase synthesis are commercially available from, for example, Applied Biosystems. Any other means for such synthesis may also be employed; the actual synthesis of the polynucleotides is well within the capabilities of one skilled in the art. See, e.g., Maniatis, et al. (2001) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [3^(rd) Ed.] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; Swamy (2008) Laboratory Manual on Biotechnology Rastogi Publications; Herdewijn (2005) [Ed.] Methods in Molecular Biolog: Oligonucleotide Synthesis: Methods and Applications Volume 288 Humana Press; and Rapley (2000) [Ed.] The Nucleic Acid Protocols Handbook Humana Press. Double-stranded DNA fragments may then be obtained either by synthesizing the complementary strand and annealing the strands together under appropriate conditions, or by adding the complementary strand using DNA polymerase with an appropriate primer sequence.

Techniques for the manipulation of nucleic acids, such as, for example, for generating mutations in sequences, subcloning, labeling probes, sequencing, hybridization are well described in the scientific and patent literature. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al. (2001) (Eds.) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3^(rd) Ed.) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Ausubel, et al. (2011) Ed., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York; Tijssen (1993) [Ed.] Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Hybridization With Nucleic Acid Probes, Part I, Theory and Nucleic Acid Preparation, Elsevier, N.Y.

Hybridization and the strength of hybridization (e.g., the strength of the association between polynucleotides) is impacted by many factors well known in the art including the degree of complementarity between the polynucleotides, and the stringency of the conditions involved, which is affected by such conditions as the concentration of salts, the presence of other components (e.g., the presence or absence of polyethylene glycol), the molarity of the hybridizing strands and the G+C content of the polynucleotide strands, all of which results in a characteristic melting temperature (T_(m)) of the formed hybrid. Techniques of nucleic acid hybridization are disclosed by Sambrook, et al. (2001) (Eds.) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [3^(rd) Ed.] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and by Hayrnes, et al. (1985) in NUCLEIC ACID HYBRIDIZATION, A PRACTICAL APPROACH (IRL Press, DC). Hybridization wash conditions may include wash solution of 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS and incubation with rotation for 10 minutes at room temperature, (low stringency wash), wash solution of prewarmed (42° C.) 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS and incubation with rotation for 15 minutes at 42° C. (medium stringency wash) and wash solution of prewarmed (68° C.) 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS and incubation with rotation for 15 minutes at 68° C. (high stringency wash). See Ausubel, et al. (2011) [Ed.] Current Protocols in Molecular Biology John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Oligonucleotide primers may be used to amplify nucleic acids encoding a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics. The nucleic acids described herein can also be cloned or measured quantitatively using amplification techniques. Amplification methods are also well known in the art, and include, e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Innis (1990) [Ed.] PCR Protocols, a Guide to Methods and Applications, Academic Press, NY.; Innis (1995) [Ed.] PCR Strategies, Academic Press, Inc., NY.); ligase chain reaction (LCR) (Wu (1989) Genomics 4: 560; Landegren (1988) Science 241: 1077; Barringer (1990) Gene 89: 117); transcription amplification (Kwoh (1989) PNAS 86: 1173); self-sustained sequence replication (Guatelli (1990) PNAS 87: 1874); Q Beta replicase amplification (Smith (1997) J. Clin. Microbiol. 35: 1477-91)); automated Q-beta replicase amplification assay (Burg (1996) Mol. Cell. Probes 10: 257-71); and other RNA polymerase mediated techniques (e.g., NASBA, Cangene, Mississauga, Ontario). See, also, Berger (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152: 307-16; Sambrook, et al. (2001) (Eds.) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3^(rd) Ed.) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Ausubel, et al. (2011) [Ed.] Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York; Maniatis, et al. (2001) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [3^(rd) Ed.] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,683,202; Sooknanan (1995) Biotechnology 13: 563-64.

Paradigms to design degenerate primer pairs are well known in the art. For example, a Consensus Degenerate Hybrid Oligonucleotide Primer (CODEHOP) strategy computer program is readily accessible and is directly linked from the BlockMaker multiple sequence alignment site for hybrid primer prediction beginning with a set of related protein sequences, such as the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic sequences provided herein. See, e.g., Rose (1998) Nucleic Acids Res. 26: 1628-35; Singh (1998) Biotechniques 24: 318-19.

Polymorphic variants, alleles, and interspecies homologs that are substantially identical to NPC-1 epitopes disclosed herein may be isolated using the nucleic acid probes described above. Alternatively, expression libraries can be used to clone NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics and polymorphic variants, alleles, and interspecies homologs thereof, by detecting expressed homologs immunologically with antisera or purified antibodies made against a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic, which also recognize and selectively bind to the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic homolog.

Nucleic acids that encode NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be generated by amplification (e.g., PCR) of appropriate nucleic acid sequences using appropriate (perfect or degenerate) primer pairs. The amplified nucleic acid can be genomic DNA from any cell or tissue or mRNA or cDNA derived from NPC-1 expressing cells. Methods for expression of heterologous sequences in host cells are well known in the art. See, e.g., Maniatis, et al. (2001) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [3^(rd) Ed.] Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Fusion Proteins Comprising a NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetics

Hybrid protein-coding sequences comprising nucleic acids encoding NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics fused to a translocation sequences may be constructed. Also provided are hybrid NPC-1 epitopes comprising the motifs and antigenic regions. These nucleic acid sequences may be operably linked to transcriptional or translational control elements, e.g., transcription and translation initiation sequences, promoters and enhancers, transcription and translation terminators, polyadenylation sequences, and other sequences useful for transcribing DNA into RNA. In construction of recombinant expression cassettes, vectors, and transgenics, a promoter fragment can be employed to direct expression of the desired nucleic acid in all desired cells or tissues.

Fusion proteins may comprise C-terminal or N-terminal translocation sequences. Further, fusion proteins can comprise additional elements, e.g., for protein detection, purification, or other applications. Detection and purification facilitating domains include, e.g., metal chelating peptides such as polyhistidine tracts, histidine-tryptophan modules, or other domains that allow purification on immobilized metals; maltose binding protein; protein A domains that allow purification on immobilized immunoglobulin; or the domain utilized in the FLAGS extension/affinity purification system (Immunex Corp, Seattle Wash.)

The inclusion of a cleavable linker sequences such as Factor Xa (see, e.g., Ottavi, (1998) Biochimie 80: 289-93), subtilisin protease recognition motif (see, e.g., Polyak (1997) Protein Eng. 10: 615-19); enterokinase (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.), between the translocation domain (for efficient plasma membrane expression) and the rest of the newly translated polypeptide may be useful to facilitate purification. For example, one construct can include a polypeptide encoding a nucleic acid sequence linked to six histidine residues followed by a thioredoxin, an enterokinase cleavage site (see, e.g., Williams (1995) Biochemistry 34: 1787-97), and an C-terminal translocation domain. The histidine residues facilitate detection and purification while the enterokinase cleavage site provides a means for purifying the desired protein(s) from the remainder of the fusion protein. Technology pertaining to vectors encoding fusion proteins and application of fusion proteins are well described in the scientific and patent literature. See, e.g., Kroll (1993) DNA Cell. Biol. 12: 441-53.

Systems for Recombinant Expression of the NPC-1 Epitope Peptidomimetics

Expression vectors, either as individual expression vectors or as libraries of expression vectors, comprising the ligand-binding region encoding sequences may be introduced into a genome or into the cytoplasm or a nucleus of a cell and expressed by a variety of conventional techniques, well described in the scientific and patent literature. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al. (2001) [Eds.] Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3^(rd) Ed.) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Ausubel, et al. (2011) [Ed.] Current Protocols in Molecular Biology John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The nucleic acids can be expressed in expression cassettes, vectors or viruses which are stably or transiently expressed in cells (e.g., episomal expression systems). Selection markers can be incorporated into expression cassettes and vectors to confer a selectable phenotype on transformed cells and sequences. For example, selection markers can code for episomal maintenance and replication such that integration into the host genome is not required. For example, the marker may encode antibiotic resistance (e.g., chloramphenicol, kanamycin, G418, bleomycin, hygromycin) or herbicide resistance (e.g., chlorosulfurone or Basta) to permit selection of those cells transformed with the desired DNA sequences. See, e.g., Ausubel, et al. (2011) [Ed.] Current Protocols in Molecular Biology John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; and Walker & Papley (2009) Molecular Biology and Biotechnology [5^(th) Ed.] Royal Society of Chemistry. Because selectable marker genes conferring resistance to substrates like neomycin or hygromycin can only be utilized in tissue culture, chemoresistance genes are also used as selectable markers in vitro and in vivo.

To enable cellular expression of the polynucleotides of the present invention, a nucleic acid construct according to the present invention may be used, which includes at least a coding region of one of the above nucleic acid sequences, and further includes at least one cis acting regulatory element. Preferably, the promoter utilized by the nucleic acid construct of the present invention is active in the specific cell population transformed. Examples of cell type-specific and/or tissue-specific promoters are well-known in the art. See Bernardi (2003) [Ed.] Gene Transfer and Expression in Mammalian Cells Volume 38 Elsevier Science B.V. The nucleic acid construct of the present invention can further include an enhancer, which can be adjacent or distant to the promoter sequence and can function in up regulating the transcription therefrom.

The nucleic acid construct of the present invention preferably further includes an appropriate selectable marker and/or an origin of replication. Preferably, the nucleic acid construct utilized is a shuttle vector, which can propagate both in E. coli (wherein the construct comprises an appropriate selectable marker and origin of replication) and be compatible for propagation in cells, or integration in a gene and a tissue of choice. The construct according to the present invention can be, for example, a plasmid, a bacmid, a phagemid, a cosmid, a phage, a virus or an artificial chromosome.

Examples of suitable constructs include, but are not limited to, pcDNA3, pcDNA3.1 (+/−), pGL3, PzeoSV2 (+/−), pDisplay, pEF/myc/cyto, pCMV/myc/cyto each of which is commercially available from Invitrogen Co. (Carlsbad, Calif.) Examples of retroviral vector and packaging systems are those sold by Clontech (San Diego, Calif.), including Retro-X vectors pLNCX and pLXSN, which permit cloning into multiple cloning sites and the transgene is transcribed from CMV promoter. Vectors derived from Mo-MuLV are also included such as pBabe, where the transgene will be transcribed from the 5′ LTR promoter.

The recombinant expression vectors of the invention comprise a nucleic acid of the invention in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell, which means that the recombinant expression vectors include one or more regulatory sequences, selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for expression, that is operatively-linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed. Within a recombinant expression vector, “operably-linked” is intended to mean that the nucleotide sequence of interest is linked to the regulatory sequence(s) in a manner that allows for expression of the nucleotide sequence (e.g., in an in vitro transcription/translation system or in a host cell when the vector is introduced into the host cell).

The term “regulatory sequence” is intended to includes promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (e.g., polyadenylation signals). Such regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel (1990) Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. Regulatory sequences include those that direct constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cell and those that direct expression of the nucleotide sequence only in certain host cells (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory sequences). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein desired. The expression vectors of the invention can be introduced into host cells to thereby produce proteins or peptides, including fusion proteins or peptides, encoded by nucleic acids as described herein.

The recombinant expression vectors of the invention may be designed for production of variant proteins in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. For example, proteins of the invention can be expressed in bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli, insect cells (e.g., using baculovirus expression vectors), yeast cells, or mammalian cells. Suitable host cells are discussed further in Goeddel (1990) Gene Expression Technology Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. Alternatively, the recombinant expression vector can be transcribed and translated in vitro, for example using T7 promoter regulatory sequences and T7 polymerase.

Expression of proteins in prokaryotes is most often carried out in Escherichia coli with vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters directing the expression of either fusion or non-fusion proteins. Fusion vectors add a number of amino acids to a protein encoded therein, to the amino or C terminus of the recombinant protein. Such fusion vectors typically serve three purposes: (i) to increase expression of recombinant protein; (ii) to increase the solubility of the recombinant protein; and (iii) to aid in the purification of the recombinant protein by acting as a ligand in affinity purification. Often, in fusion expression vectors, a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the fusion moiety and the recombinant protein to enable separation of the recombinant protein from the fusion moiety subsequent to purification of the fusion protein. Such enzymes, and their cognate recognition sequences, include Factor Xa, thrombin, PreScission, TEV and enterokinase. Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech Inc; Smith and Johnson (1988) Gene 67: 31-40), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) that fuse glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose E binding protein, or protein A, respectively, to the target recombinant protein.

The recombinant mammalian expression vector is capable of directing expression of the nucleic acid may be in a particular cell type (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory elements are used to express the nucleic acid). Tissue-specific regulatory elements are known in the art. For efficient production of the protein, it is preferable to place the nucleotide sequences encoding the protein of the invention under the control of expression control sequences optimized for expression in a desired host. For example, the sequences may include optimized transcriptional and/or translational regulatory sequences (e.g., altered Kozak sequences).

One strategy to maximize recombinant protein expression in E. coli is to express the protein in a host bacterium with an impaired capacity to proteolytically cleave the recombinant protein. See, e.g., Gottesman (1990) Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. 185: 119-128. Another strategy is to alter the nucleic acid sequence of the nucleic acid to be inserted into an expression vector so that the individual codons for each amino acid are those preferentially utilized in E. coli. See, e.g., Wada, et al. (1992) Nucl. Acids Res. 20: 2111-2118. Such alteration of nucleic acid sequences of the invention can be carried out by standard DNA synthesis techniques. Another strategy to solve codon bias is by using BL21-codon plus bacterial strains (Invitrogen) or Rosetta bacterial strain (Novagen), these strains contain extra copies of rare E. coli tRNA genes.

The expression vector encoding for the protein of the invention may be a yeast expression vector. Examples of vectors for expression in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae include pYepSec1 (Baldari, et al. (1987) EMBO J. 6: 229-234), pMFa (Kurjan and Herskowitz (1982) Cell 30: 933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz, et al. (1987) Gene 54: 113-123), pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif.), and picZ (Invitrogen Corp, San Diego, Calif.)

Alternatively, polypeptides of the present invention can be produced in insect cells using baculovirus expression vectors. Baculovirus vectors available for expression of proteins in cultured insect cells (e.g., SF9 cells) include the pAc series (Smith, et al. (1983) Mol. Cell. Biol. 3: 2156-2165) and the pVL series (Lucklow and Summers (1989) Virology 170: 31-39). In yet another embodiment, a nucleic acid of the invention is expressed in mammalian cells using a mammalian expression vector. Examples of mammalian expression vectors include pCDM8 (Seed (1987) Nature 329: 840) and pMT2PC (Kaufman, et al. (1987) EMBO J. 6: 187-195), pIRESpuro (Clontech), pUB6 (Invitrogen), pCEP4 (Invitrogen) pREP4 (Invitrogen), pcDNA3 (Invitrogen). When used in mammalian cells, the expression vector's control functions are often provided by viral regulatory elements. For example, commonly used promoters are derived from polyoma, adenovirus 2, cytomegalovirus, Rous Sarcoma Virus, and simian virus 40. For other suitable expression systems for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al. (2001) (Eds.) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3^(rd) Ed.) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

A host cell can be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. For example, protein of the invention can be produced in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells, yeast, plant or mammalian cells (e.g., Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO), COS, HEK293 cells). Other suitable host cells are known to those skilled in the art.

Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques. As used herein, the terms “transformation” and “transfection” are intended to refer to a variety of art-recognized techniques for introducing foreign nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) into a host cell, including calcium phosphate or calcium chloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, or electroporation. Suitable methods for transforming or transfecting host cells can be found in Sambrook, et al. (2001) [Eds.]Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3^(rd) Ed.) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and other laboratory manuals.

Any of the well-known procedures for introducing foreign nucleotide sequences into host cells may be used. These include the use of calcium phosphate transfection, polybrene, protoplast fusion, electroporation, liposomes, microinjection, plasma vectors, viral vectors and any of the other well known methods for introducing cloned genomic DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA or other foreign genetic material into a host cell. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al. (2001) (Eds.) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3^(rd) Ed.) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Walker & Papley (2009) Molecular Biology and Biotechnology [5^(th) Ed.] Royal Society of Chemistry. It is only necessary that the particular genetic engineering procedure used be capable of successfully introducing at lest one nucleic acid molecule into the host cell capable of expressing the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic.

For stable transfection of mammalian cells, it is known that, depending upon the expression vector and transfection technique used, only a small fraction of cells may integrate the foreign DNA into their genome. In order to identify and select these integrants, a gene that encodes a selectable marker (e.g., resistance to antibiotics) is generally introduced into the host cells along with the gene of interest. Various selectable markers include those that confer resistance to drugs, such as G418, hygromycin, puromycin, blasticidin, and methotrexate. Nucleic acids encoding a selectable marker can be introduced into a host cell on the same vector as that encoding protein of the invention or can be introduced on a separate vector. Cells stably transfected with the introduced nucleic acid can be identified by drug selection (e.g., cells that have incorporated the selectable marker gene will survive, while the other cells die).

A host cell of the invention, such as a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell in culture, can be used to produce (i.e., express) protein of the invention. Accordingly, the invention further provides methods for producing proteins of the invention using the host cells of the invention. In one embodiment, the method comprises culturing the host cell of the present invention (into which a recombinant expression vector encoding protein of the invention has been introduced) in a suitable medium such that the protein of the invention is produced. In another embodiment, the method further comprises isolating protein of the invention from the medium or the host cell.

After the expression vector is introduced into the cells, the transfected cells are cultured under conditions favoring expression of the receptor, fragment, or variant of interest, which is then recovered from the culture using standard techniques. Examples of such techniques are well known in the art. See, e.g., WO 00/06593.

Labels

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be modified post-translationally to add effector moieties such as chemical linkers, detectable moieties such as for example fluorescent dyes, enzymes, substrates, bioluminescent materials, radioactive materials, chemiluminescent moieties, a cytotoxic agent, radioactive materials, or functional moieties.

A wide variety of entities, e.g., ligands, may be coupled to the oligonucleotides as known in the art. Ligands may include naturally occurring molecules, or recombinant or synthetic molecules. Exemplary ligands include, but are not limited to, avadin, biotin, peptides, peptidomimetics, polylysine (PLL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), mPEG, cationic groups, spermine, spermidine, polyamine, thyrotropin, melanotropin, lectin, glycoprotein, surfactant protein A, mucin, glycosylated polyaminoacids, transferrin, aptamer, immunoglobulins (e.g., antibodies), insulin, transferrin, albumin, sugar, lipophilic molecules (e.g., steroids, bile acids, cholesterol, cholic acid, and fatty acids), vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B, folic acid, B12, riboflavin, biotin, pyridoxal, vitamin cofactors, lipopolysaccharide, hormones and hormone receptors, lectins, carbohydrates, multivalent carbohydrates, radiolabeled markers, fluorescent dyes, and derivatives thereof. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,153,737; 6,172,208; 6,300,319; 6,335,434; 6,335,437; 6,395,437; 6,444,806; 6,486,308; 6,525,031; 6,528,631; and 6,559, 279.

Additionally, moieties may be added to the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic to increase half-life in vivo (e.g., by lengthening the time to clearance from the blood stream. Such techniques include, for example, adding PEG moieties (also termed pegilation), and are well-known in the art. See U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0031671.

An peptidomimetic, antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof, described herein may be “attached” to a substrate when it is associated with the solid label through a non-random chemical or physical interaction. The attachment may be through a covalent bond. However, attachments need not be covalent or permanent. Materials may be attached to a label through a “spacer molecule” or “linker group.” Such spacer molecules are molecules that have a first portion that attaches to the biological material and a second portion that attaches to the label. Thus, when attached to the label, the spacer molecule separates the label and the biological materials, but is attached to both. Methods of attaching biological material (e.g., label) to a label are well known in the art, and include but are not limited to chemical coupling.

Detectable Labels

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic described herein may be modified post-translationally to add effector labels such as chemical linkers, detectable labels such as for example fluorescent dyes, enzymes, substrates, bioluminescent materials, radioactive materials, and chemiluminescent labels, or functional labels such as for example streptavidin, avidin, biotin, a cytotoxin, a cytotoxic agent, and radioactive materials. Further exemplary enzymes include, but are not limited to, horseradish peroxidase, acetylcholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, β-galactosidase and luciferase. Further exemplary fluorescent materials include, but are not limited to, rhodamine, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, umbelliferone, dichlorotriazinylamine, phycoerythrin and dansyl chloride. Further exemplary chemiluminescent labels include, but are not limited to, luminol. Further exemplary bioluminescent materials include, but are not limited to, luciferin and aequorin. Further exemplary radioactive materials include, but are not limited to, bismuth-213 (²¹³Bs), carbon-14 (¹⁴C), carbon-11 (¹¹C), chlorine-18 (Cl¹⁸), chromium-51 (⁵¹Cr), cobalt-57 (⁵⁷Co), cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co), copper-64 (⁶⁴Cu), copper-67 (⁶⁷Cu), dysprosium-165 (¹⁶⁵Dy), erbium-169 (¹⁶⁹Er), fluorine-18 (F), gallium-67 (⁶⁷Ga), gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga), germanium-68 (⁶⁸Ge), holmium-166 (¹⁶⁶Ho), indium-111 (¹¹¹In), iodine-125 (¹²⁵I), iodine-123 (¹²⁴I), iodine-124 (¹²⁴I), iodine-131 (¹³¹I), iridium-192 (¹⁹²Ir), iron-59 (⁵⁹Fe), krypton-81 (⁸¹Kr), lead-212 (²¹²Pb), lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu), molybdenum-99 (⁹⁹Mo), nitrogen-13 (¹³N), oxygen-15 (¹⁵O), palladium-103 (¹⁰³Pd), phosphorus-32 (³²P), potassium-42 (⁴²K), rhenium-186 (¹⁸⁶Re), rhenium-188 (¹⁸⁸Re), rubidium-81 (⁸¹Rb), rubidium-82 (⁸²Rb), samarium-153 (¹⁵³Sm), selenium-75 (⁷⁵Se), sodium-24 (²⁴Na), strontium-82 (⁸²Sr), strontium-89 (⁸⁹Sr), sulfur 35 (³⁵S), technetium-99m (⁹⁹Tc), thallium-201 (²⁰¹Tl), tritium (³H), xenon-133 (¹³³Xe), ytterbium-169 (¹⁶⁹Yb), ytterbium-177 (¹⁷⁷Yb), and yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y).

Cytotoxic Agents

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic described herein may be conjugated to cytotoxic agents including, but are not limited to, methotrexate, aminopterin, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine; alkylating agents such as mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan, carmustine (BSNU), mitomycin C, lomustine (CCNU), 1-methylnitrosourea, cyclothosphamide, mechlorethamine, busulfan, dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II) (DDP) cisplatin and carboplatin (paraplatin); anthracyclines include daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin), doxorubicin (adriamycin), detorubicin, caminomycin, idarubicin, epirubicin, mitoxantrone and bisantrene; antibiotics include dactinomycin (actinomycin D), bleomycin, calicheamicin, mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC); and antimytotic agents such as the vinca alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine. Other cytotoxic agents include paclitaxel (TAXOL®), ricin, pseudomonas exotoxin, gemcitabine, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium bromide, emetine, etoposide, tenoposide, colchicin, dihydroxy anthracin dione, 1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, propranolol, puromycin, procarbazine, hydroxyurea, asparaginase, corticosteroids, mytotane (O,P′-(DDD)), interferons, and mixtures of these cytotoxic agents.

Further cytotoxic agents include, but are not limited to, chemotherapeutic agents such as carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, calicheamicin, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, bleomycin, VEGF antagonists, EGFR antagonists, platins, taxols, irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, gemcytabine, leucovorine, steroids, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, vinca alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine and vinorelbine), mustines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiotherapy, sex hormone antagonists, selective androgen receptor modulators, selective estrogen receptor modulators, PDGF antagonists, TNF antagonists, IL-1 antagonists, interleukins (e.g. IL-12 or IL-2), IL-12R antagonists, Toxin conjugated monoclonal antibodies, tumor antigen specific monoclonal antibodies, Erbitux®, Avastin®, Pertuzumab, anti-CD20 antibodies, Rituxan®, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, DXL625, Herceptin®, or any combination thereof. Toxic enzymes from plants and bacteria such as ricin, diphtheria toxin and Pseudomonas toxin may be conjugated to the humanized antibodies, or binding fragments thereof, to generate cell-type-specific-killing reagents. Youle, et al. (1980) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 77: 5483; Gilliland, et al. (1980) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 77: 4539; Krolick, et al. (1980) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 77: 5419. Other cytotoxic agents include cytotoxic ribonucleases. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,104.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be conjugated to a radionuclide that emits alpha or beta particles (e.g., radioimmunoconjuagtes). Such radioactive isotopes include but are not limited to beta-emitters such as phosphorus-32 (³²P), scandium-47 (⁴⁷Sc), copper-67 (⁶⁷Cu), gallium-67 (⁶⁷Ga), yttrium-88 (⁸⁸Y), yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y), iodine-125 (¹²⁵I), iodine-131 (¹³¹I), samarium-153 (¹⁵³Sm), lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu), rhenium-186 (¹⁸⁶Re), rhenium-188 (¹⁸⁸Re), and alpha-emitters such as astatine-211 (²¹¹At), lead-212 (²¹²Pb), bismuth-212 (²¹²Bi), bismuth-213 (²¹³Bi) or actinium-225 (²²⁵Ac).

Methods are known in the art for conjugating a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein to a label, such as those methods described by Hunter, et al (1962) Nature 144: 945; David, et al. (1974) Biochemistry 13: 1014; Pain, et al. (1981) J. Immunol. Meth. 40: 219; and Nygren (1982) Histochem, and Cytochem, 30: 407.

Substrates

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be attached to a substrate. A number of substrates (e.g., solid supports) known in the art are suitable for use with the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein. The substrate may be modified to contain channels or other configurations. See Fung (2004) [Ed.] Protein Arrays: Methods and Protocols Humana Press and Kambhampati (2004) [Ed.] Protein Microarray Technology John Wiley & Sons.

Substrate materials include, but are not limited to acrylics, agarose, borosilicate glass, carbon (e.g., carbon nanofiber sheets or pellets), cellulose acetate, cellulose, ceramics, gels, glass (e.g., inorganic, controlled-pore, modified, soda-lime, or functionalized glass), latex, magnetic beads, membranes, metal, metalloids, nitrocellulose, NYLON®, optical fiber bundles, organic polymers, paper, plastics, polyacryloylmorpholide, poly(4-methylbutene), poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyvinyl butyrate), polyacrylamide, polybutylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethyleneglycol terephthalate, polyformaldehyde, polymethacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene, polysaccharides, polystyrene, polyurethanes, polyvinylacetate, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polyvinylpyrrolidinone, rayon, resins, rubbers, semiconductor materials, SEPHAROSe, silica, silicon, styrene copolymers, TEFLON®, and variety of other polymers.

Substrates need not be flat and can include any type of shape including spherical shapes (e.g., beads) or cylindrical shapes (e.g., fibers). Materials attached to solid supports may be attached to any portion of the solid support (e.g., may be attached to an interior portion of a porous solid support material).

The substrate body may be in the form of a bead, box, column, cylinder, disc, dish (e.g., glass dish, PETRI dish), fiber, film, filter, microtiter plate (e.g., 96-well microtiter plate), multi-bladed stick, net, pellet, plate, ring, rod, roll, sheet, slide, stick, tray, tube, or vial. The substrate may be a singular discrete body (e.g., a single tube, a single bead), any number of a plurality of substrate bodies (e.g., a rack of 10 tubes, several beads), or combinations thereof (e.g., a tray comprises a plurality of microtiter plates, a column filled with beads, a microtiter plate filed with beads).

A NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be “attached” to a substrate when it is associated with the solid substrate through a non-random chemical or physical interaction. The attachment may be through a covalent bond. However, attachments need not be covalent or permanent. Materials may be attached to a substrate through a “spacer molecule” or “linker group.” Such spacer molecules are molecules that have a first portion that attaches to the biological material and a second portion that attaches to the substrate. Thus, when attached to the substrate, the spacer molecule separates the substrate and the biological materials, but is attached to both. Methods of attaching biological material (e.g., label) to a substrate are well known in the art, and include but are not limited to chemical coupling.

Plates, such as microtiter plates, which support and contain the solid-phase for solid-phase synthetic reactions may be used. Microtiter plates may house beads that are used as the solid-phase. By “particle” or “microparticle” or “nanoparticle” or “bead” or “microbead” or “microsphere” herein is meant microparticulate matter having any of a variety of shapes or sizes. The shape may be generally spherical but need not be spherical, being, for example, cylindrical or polyhedral. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the particles may comprise a wide variety of materials depending on their use, including, but not limited to, cross-linked starch, dextrans, cellulose, proteins, organic polymers including styrene polymers such as polystyrene and methylstyrene as well as other styrene co-polymers, plastics, glass, ceramics, acrylic polymers, magnetically responsive materials, colloids, thoriasol, carbon graphite, titanium dioxide, nylon, latex, and TEFLON®. See e.g., “Microsphere Detection Guide” from Bangs Laboratories, Fishers, Ind.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be attached to on any of the forms of substrates described herein (e.g., bead, box, column, cylinder, disc, dish (e.g., glass dish, PETRI dish), fiber, film, filter, microtiter plate (e.g., 96-well microtiter plate), multi-bladed stick, net, pellet, plate, ring, rod, roll, sheet, slide, stick, tray, tube, or vial). In particular, particles or beads may be a component of a gelling material or may be separate components such as latex beads made of a variety of synthetic plastics (e.g., polystyrene). The label (e.g., streptavidin) may be bound to a substrate (e.g., bead).

Pharmaceutical Compositions

A “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a chemical or biological composition suitable for administration to a mammal. Such compositions may be specifically formulated for administration via one or more of a number of routes, including but not limited to buccal, epicutaneous, epidural, inhalation, intraarterial, intracardial, intracerebroventricular, intradermal, intramuscular, intranasal, intraocular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, intravenous, oral, parenteral, rectally via an enema or suppository, subcutaneous, subdermal, sublingual, transdermal, and transmucosal. In addition, administration may occur by means of injection, powder, liquid, gel, drops, or other means of administration.

A “pharmaceutical excipient” or a “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” is a carrier, usually a liquid, in which an active therapeutic agent is formulated. In one embodiment of the invention, the active therapeutic agent is a humanized antibody described herein, or one or more fragments thereof. The excipient generally does not provide any pharmacological activity to the formulation, though it may provide chemical and/or biological stability, and release characteristics. Exemplary formulations may be found, for example, in Grennaro (2005) [Ed.] Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy [21^(st) Ed.]

Pharmaceutical compositions typically must be sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The invention contemplates that the pharmaceutical composition is present in lyophilized form. The composition may be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, liposome, or other ordered structure suitable to high drug concentration. The carrier may be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol), and suitable mixtures thereof. The invention further contemplates the inclusion of a stabilizer in the pharmaceutical composition.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions of various dosage forms. To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention, at least one NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic as the active ingredient may be intimately mixed with appropriate carriers and additives according to techniques well known to those skilled in the art of pharmaceutical formulations. See Grennaro (2005) [Ed.] Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy [21^(st) Ed.] For example, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be formulated in phosphate buffered saline pH 7.2 and supplied as a 5.0 mg/mL clear colorless liquid solution.

Similarly, compositions for liquid preparations include solutions, emulsions, dispersions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs, with suitable carriers and additives including but not limited to water, alcohols, oils, glycols, preservatives, flavoring agents, coloring agents, and suspending agents. Typical preparations for parenteral administration comprise the active ingredient with a carrier such as sterile water or parenterally acceptable oil including but not limited to polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil or sesame oil, with other additives for aiding solubility or preservation may also be included. In the case of a solution, it may be lyophilized to a powder and then reconstituted immediately prior to use. For dispersions and suspensions, appropriate carriers and additives include aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates, or oils.

For each of the recited embodiments, NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be administered by a variety of dosage forms. Any biologically-acceptable dosage form known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations thereof, are contemplated. Examples of such dosage forms include, without limitation, reconstitutable powders, elixirs, liquids, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, powders, granules, particles, microparticles, dispersible granules, cachets, inhalants, aerosol inhalants, patches, particle inhalants, implants, depot implants, injectables (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and intradermal), infusions, and combinations thereof.

In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, e.g., sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions may be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, e.g., monostearate salts and gelatin. Moreover, the compounds described herein may be formulated in a time release formulation, e.g. in a composition that includes a slow release polymer. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid release, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers may be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, polylactic acid and polylactic, polyglycolic copolymers (PLG). Many methods for the preparation of such formulations are known to those skilled in the art.

Optionally, adjuvants may also be included in a composition. Adjuvants which may be used include, but are not limited to: (1) aluminum salts (alum), such as aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, aluminum sulfate, etc.; (2) oil-in-water emulsion formulations (with or without other specific immunostimulating agents; (3) saponin adjuvants, such as QS21 may be used or particles generated therefrom such as ISCOMs (immunostimulating complexes); (4) Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA); (5) cytokines, such as interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, interferons (e.g., gamma interferon), macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF); (6) detoxified mutants of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin such as a cholera toxin (CT), a pertussis toxin (PT), or an E. coli heat-labile toxin (LT); (7) MPL or 3-O-deacylated MPL (3dMPL); (8) combinations of 3dMPL with, for example, QS21 and/or oil-in-water emulsions; (9) oligonucleotides comprising CpG motifs; (10) a polyoxyethylene ether or a polyoxyethylene ester; (11) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester surfactant in combination with an octoxynol or a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether or ester surfactant in combination with at least one additional non-ionic surfactant such as an octoxynol; (12) a saponin and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotide such as a CpG oligonucleotide; (13) an immunostimulant and a particle of metal salt; and (14) other substances that act as immunostimulating agents to enhance the effectiveness of the composition.

As described herein, an antigenic composition may elicit an “immunological response” to an antigen or composition is the development in a subject of a humoral and/or a cellular immune response to an antigen present in the composition of interest. For purposes of the present invention, a “humoral immune response” refers broadly to an immune response mediated by antibody molecules, while a “cellular immune response” is one mediated by T-lymphocytes and/or other white blood cells. One important aspect of cellular immunity involves an antigen-specific response by cytolytic T-cells (“CTL”s). CTLs have specificity for peptide antigens that are presented in association with proteins encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and expressed on the surfaces of cells. CTLs help induce and promote the destruction of intracellular microbes, or the lysis of cells infected with such microbes. Another aspect of cellular immunity involves an antigen-specific response by helper T-cells. Helper T-cells act to help stimulate the function, and focus the activity of nonspecific effecter cells against cells displaying peptide antigens in association with MHC molecules on their surface. A “cellular immune response” also refers to the production of cytokines, chemokines and other such molecules produced by activated T-cells and/or other white blood cells, including those derived from CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells.

A composition or vaccine that elicits a cellular immune response may serve to sensitize a vertebrate subject by the presentation of antigen in association with MHC molecules at the cell surface. The cell-mediated immune response is directed at, or near, cells presenting antigen at their surface. In addition, antigen-specific T lymphocytes can be generated to allow for the future protection of an immunized host.

The ability of a particular immunogen to stimulate a cell-mediated immunological response may be determined by a number of assays, such as by lymphoproliferation (lymphocyte activation) assays, CTL cytotoxic cell assays, or by assaying for T-lymphocytes specific for the antigen in a sensitized subject. Such assays are well known in the art. Methods of measuring cell-mediated immune response include measurement of intracellular cytokines or cytokine secretion by T-cell populations, or by measurement of epitope specific T-cells.

Accordingly, the term “immunogenic composition” as used herein refers broadly a composition that comprises an antigenic molecule where administration of the composition to a subject results in the development in the subject of a humoral and/or a cellular immune response to the antigenic molecule of interest. The immunogenic composition may be introduced directly into a recipient subject, such as by injection, inhalation, oral, intranasal and mucosal (e.g., intra-rectally or intra-vaginally) administration.

For example, the composition may be an antigenic composition or an immunogenic composition. The compositions described herein may comprise at least one excipient, carrier, or adjuvant. Further, the compositions described herein may be a pharmaceutical composition. In still another embodiment, the composition is comprises a pharmaceutical carrier. In a further embodiment, the composition may elicit an immune response. In another embodiment, the immune response may be a protective immune response. In one embodiment, the composition may elicit a humoral immune response, wherein said humoral immune response may be specific for the NPC-1 epitope. In one embodiment, the composition may elicit a cellular immune response, wherein said cellular immune response may be specific for the NPC-1 epitope. For example, an antigenic composition comprising an NPC-1 epitope pepitomimetic may be administered to a mammal which elicits an immune response including the production of antibodies which selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope. These antibodies which selectively bind the NPC-1 epitope may, in turn, act to bind to and trigger the immunogical clearance (e.g., lysis) of tumor cells expressing an NPC-1 epitope.

A person of skill in the art would be able to determine an effective dosage and frequency of administration through routine experimentation, for example guided by the disclosure herein and the teachings in Goodman, et al. (2011) Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics [12^(th) Ed.]; Howland, et al. (2005) Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology [2^(nd) Ed.]; and Golan, (2008) Principles of Pharmacology: The Pathophysiologic Basis of Drug Therapy [2^(nd) Ed.] See, also, Grennaro (2005) [Ed.] Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy [21^(st) Ed.]

Routes of Administration

The compositions described herein may be administered in any of the following routes: buccal, epicutaneous, epidural, infusion, inhalation, intraarterial, intracardial, intracerebroventricular, intradermal, intramuscular, intranasal, intraocular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, intravenous, oral, parenteral, pulmonary, rectally via an enema or suppository, subcutaneous, subdermal, sublingual, transdermal, and transmucosal. The preferred routes of administration are intravenous injection or infusion. The administration can be local, where the composition is administered directly, close to, in the locality, near, at, about, or in the vicinity of, the site(s) of disease, e.g., tumor, or systemic, wherein the composition is given to the patient and passes through the body widely, thereby reaching the site(s) of disease. Local administration (e.g., injection) may be accomplished by administration to the cell, tissue, organ, and/or organ system, which encompasses and/or is affected by the disease, and/or where the disease signs and/or symptoms are active or are likely to occur (e.g., tumor site). Administration can be topical with a local effect, composition is applied directly where its action is desired (e.g., tumor site).

For each of the recited embodiments, the compounds can be administered by a variety of dosage forms as known in the art. Any biologically-acceptable dosage form known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations thereof, are contemplated. Examples of such dosage forms include, without limitation, chewable tablets, quick dissolve tablets, effervescent tablets, reconstitutable powders, elixirs, liquids, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, tablets, multi-layer tablets, bi-layer tablets, capsules, soft gelatin capsules, hard gelatin capsules, caplets, lozenges, chewable lozenges, beads, powders, gum, granules, particles, microparticles, dispersible granules, cachets, douches, suppositories, creams, topicals, inhalants, aerosol inhalants, patches, particle inhalants, implants, depot implants, ingestibles, injectables (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and intradermal), infusions, and combinations thereof.

Other compounds which can be included by admixture are, for example, medically inert ingredients (e.g., solid and liquid diluent), such as lactose, dextrosesaccharose, cellulose, starch or calcium phosphate for tablets or capsules, olive oil or ethyl oleate for soft capsules and water or vegetable oil for suspensions or emulsions; lubricating agents such as silica, talc, stearic acid, magnesium or calcium stearate and/or polyethylene glycols; gelling agents such as colloidal clays; thickening agents such as gum tragacanth or sodium alginate, binding agents such as starches, arabic gums, gelatin, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone; disintegrating agents such as starch, alginic acid, alginates or sodium starch glycolate; effervescing mixtures; dyestuff; sweeteners; wetting agents such as lecithin, polysorbates or laurylsulphates; and other therapeutically acceptable accessory ingredients, such as humectants, preservatives, buffers and antioxidants, which are known additives for such formulations.

Liquid dispersions for oral administration can be syrups, emulsions, solutions, or suspensions. The syrups can contain as a carrier, for example, saccharose or saccharose with glycerol and/or mannitol and/or sorbitol. The suspensions and the emulsions can contain a carrier, for example a natural gum, agar, sodium alginate, pectin, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, or polyvinyl alcohol.

In further embodiments, the present invention provides kits including one or more containers comprising pharmaceutical dosage units comprising an effective amount of one or more antibodies and fragments thereof of the present invention. Kits may include instructions, directions, labels, marketing information, warnings, or information pamphlets.

Dosages

The amount of NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics in a therapeutic composition according to any embodiments of this invention may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, gender, weight, patient history, risk factors, predisposition to disease, administration route, pre-existing treatment regime (e.g., possible interactions with other medications), and weight of the individual. Dosage regimens may be adjusted to provide the optimum therapeutic response. For example, a single bolus may be administered, several divided doses may be administered over time, or the dose may be proportionally reduced or increased as indicated by the exigencies of therapeutic situation.

It is especially advantageous to formulate parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the mammalian subjects to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of antibodies, and fragments thereof, calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the antibodies, and fragments thereof, and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an antibodies, and fragments thereof, for the treatment of sensitivity in individuals. In therapeutic use for treatment of conditions in mammals (e.g., humans) for which the antibodies and fragments thereof of the present invention or an appropriate pharmaceutical composition thereof are effective, the antibodies and fragments thereof of the present invention may be administered in an effective amount. The dosages as suitable for this invention may be a composition, a pharmaceutical composition or any other compositions described herein.

The dosage may be administered as a single dose, a double dose, a triple dose, a quadruple dose, and/or a quintuple dose. The dosages may be administered singularly, simultaneously, and sequentially.

The dosage form may be any form of release known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. The compositions of the present invention may be formulated to provide immediate release of the active ingredient or sustained or controlled release of the active ingredient. In a sustained release or controlled release preparation, release of the active ingredient may occur at a rate such that blood levels are maintained within a therapeutic range but below toxic levels over an extended period of time (e.g., 4 to 24 hours). The preferred dosage forms include immediate release, extended release, pulse release, variable release, controlled release, timed release, sustained release, delayed release, long acting, and combinations thereof, and are known in the art.

It will be appreciated that the pharmacological activity of the compositions may be monitored using standard pharmacological models that are known in the art. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the compositions comprising a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be incorporated or encapsulated in a suitable polymer matrix or membrane for site-specific delivery, or may be functionalized with specific targeting agents capable of effecting site specific delivery. These techniques, as well as other drug delivery techniques are well known in the art. Determination of optimal dosages for a particular situation is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Grennaro (2005) [Ed.] Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy [21^(st) Ed.]

Methods of Treatment

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be used in methods for treating cancer, promoting tumor regression, killing tumor cells, activating an immune response against NPC-1 epitope expressing tumor cells (e.g., cytotoxic immune response), activating dendritic cells, or activating antigen-specific immunity comprising administering an effective amount of a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic thereof to a subject in need thereof. Further, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic described herein may be used to manufacture medicaments for use in treating cancer, promoting tumor regression, killing tumor cells, activating an immune response against NPC-1 epitope expressing tumor cells (e.g., cytotoxic immune response), activating dendritic cells, or activating antigen-specific immunity comprising an effective amount of a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic described herein. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to manufacture a composition for treating cancer, promoting tumor regression, killing tumor cells, activating an immune response against NPC-1 epitope expressing tumor cells (e.g., cytotoxic immune response), activating dendritic cells, or activating antigen-specific immunity comprising an effective amount of a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic described herein.

The cancer treated by the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be lung, breast, pancreas, prostate, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, or liver cancer. The cancer may be a stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 cancer. The cancer may have metastasized. The patient may be a mammal, such as a human, suffering from cancer where tumor cells express NPC-1 epitopes, aberrant NPC-1 epitopes, and/or tumorigenesis of neoplastic cells expressing a NPC-1 epitope. The amount sufficient to inhibit or reduce the NPC-1 epitope is an amount sufficient to ameliorate the disorder, which may be monitored as a decrease in either cancer progression or tumor mass.

The patient may express detectable levels of NPC-1 epitope as detected in a tumor biopsy sample or in the blood, stool, urine or lymph fluid. See FIG. 1. Further, the patient may be at risk of cancer or a patient without symptoms. The methods described herein may be used on cells, e.g., human cells, in vitro or ex vivo. Alternatively, the method may be performed on cells present in a subject as part of an in vivo (e.g., therapeutic) protocol.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be admixed with additional chemotherapeutic agents, cytotoxic agent, antibodies (e.g., NEO-201 or NEO-301 monoclonal antibodies), lymphokine, or hematopoietic growth factor. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may also be administered in combination with another antibody, a lymphokine, cytotoxic agent (e.g., a moiety that inhibits DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis, a radionuclide, or ribosomal inhibiting protein, e.g., ²¹²Bi, ¹³¹I, ¹⁸⁸Re, ⁹⁰Y, vindesine, methotrexate, adriamycin, cisplatin, pokeweed antiviral protein, Pseudomonas exotoxin A, ricin, diphtheria toxin, ricin A chain, or cytotoxic phospholipase enzyme), immunosuppressive agent (e.g., cyclosporine, leflunomide, methotrexate, azothiprine, mercaptopurine, dactinomycin, tacrolimus, or sirolimus) or a hematopoietic growth factor. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be label with a chemiluminescent label, paramagnetic label (e.g., aluminum, manganese, platinum, oxygen, lanthanum, lutetium, scandium, yttrium, or gallium), an MRI contrast agent, fluorescent label, bioluminescent label, or radioactive label. In the methods described herein, the second agent may be administered simultaneously or sequentially with the antibody.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics described herein may be used in the manufacture of compositions for use in treating cancer and methods of treating cancer including but not limited to solid and soft tumors, such as esophageal carcinoma, renal cancer, cancer of breast, thyroid, spleen, uterus, kidney, colorectal, lung, prostate, testicles, gastric, pancreas, cervical, bone, skin, brain, head & neck, bladder, head and neck, liver, pancreas, melanoma, osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, teratocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, glioma, glioblastoma and hematological malignancies such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and wherein the cancer is invasive or metastatic.

The invention provides for methods of treating a subject with pancreas or colon cancer comprising administering a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics to a subject who may be receiving secondary antihyperplastic therapy. Examples of secondary antihyperplastic therapy include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, phototherapy, cryotherapy, toxin therapy, hormonal therapy, or surgery. Thus, the invention contemplates use of the methods and compositions in conjunction with standard anti-cancer therapies. The patient to be treated may be of any age. One of skill in the art will recognize the presence and development of other anticancer therapies which may be used in conjugation with the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics.

Determination of dose is within the level of ordinary skill in the art. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be administered for acute treatment, over one week or less, often over a period of one to three days or may be used in chronic treatment, over several months or years. In general, a therapeutically effective amount of the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics is an amount sufficient to produce a clinically significant change in NPC-1 epitope shed, decreased cancer progression, or decreased tumor size.

Diagnostic Methods

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be used in diagnostic methods for detecting the presence or absence of an NPC-1 epitope. The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be used in methods comprising (a) contacting a test sample with an antibody, or fragment thereof, that binds a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic, and (b) assaying for antibody-epitope complexes, wherein the presence of said epitope is indicative of a carcinoma. Further, the NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be used in a method for detecting the presence of a NPC-1 epitope in a patient comprising (a) administering to said patient a labeled monoclonal antibody, or fragment thereof, that binds a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic and (b) detecting the presence of a NPC-1 epitope; wherein the presence of said epitope is indicative of a carcinoma. The antibody-epitope complex may be detected by Western blot, radioimmunoassay, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), “sandwich” immunoassay, immunoprecipitation assay, precipitation reaction, gel diffusion precipitation reaction, immunodiffusion assay, agglutination assay, complement-fixation assay, immunohistochemical assay, fluorescent immunoassay, and protein A immunoassay. The sample may be sample is a tissue biopsy, lymph, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, inflammatory exudate, blood, serum, stool, or liquid collected from the colorectal tract.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be used in diagnostic methods for detecting the presence or absence of an NPC-1 epitope, wherein the presence of the antigen is indicative of cancer including but not limited to lung, breast, pancreas, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, or liver cancer. The diagnostic methods may be used with patients at risk of cancer or patients without symptoms.

The antibodies which selectively bind a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be recombinant. The fragments of antibodies which selectively bind a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be a Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, CDR, paratope, or portion of an antibody that is capable of binding the antigen. The antibodies which selectively bind a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be chimeric, humanized, anti-idiotypic, single-chain, bifunctional, or co-specific. The antibodies which selectively bind a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be or fragment is conjugated to a label, including but not limited to a chemiluminescent label, paramagnetic label (e.g., aluminum, manganese, platinum, oxygen, lanthanum, lutetium, scandium, yttrium, or gallium), an MRI contrast agent, fluorescent label, bioluminescent label, or radioactive label.

Additionally, NPC-1 epitopes peptidomimetics may be attached to a solid support (e.g., bead, test tube, sheet, culture dish, or test strip) such as an array.

The method may detect colorectal polyps. The method may further comprise additional testing for the presence of tumors including but not limited to benign tumors, malignant tumors, metastatic tumors, and non-metastatic tumors. For example, the diagnostic method may detect pre-cancerous cells that express a cell marker comprising detecting a NPC-1 epitope.

The method may comprise imaging a NPC-1 epitope by positron emission tomography (PET), CCD low-light monitoring system, x-ray, CT scanning, scintigraphy, photo acoustic imaging, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, paramagnetic imaging, and endoscopic optical coherence tomography.

The invention also provides a method for genetic diagnosis of a risk for cancer comprising taking a nucleic acid sample from a patient, analyzing said nucleic acid comprising comparing to cancer specific MUC5AC sequence, wherein if the patient's nucleic acid sample matches the cancer specific MUC5AC sequence, the patient is at risk for developing cancer.

The NPC-1 epitopes may be used as a cancer biomarker. Detection of the NPC-1 epitopes in a biological sample, such as a subject's serum, biopsied neoplastic cells or fecal sample, may be performed by means of antibodies that selectively bind a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic. For example, a biological sample (e.g., a tumor, serum or fecal sample) is obtained from a subject, then NPC-1 epitope is measured (e.g., by ELISA or PCR), and compared with corresponding samples from normal subjects. Measuring methods include any method of nucleic acid detection, for example in situ hybridization using antisense NPC-1 epitope DNA or cRNA oligonucleotide probes, ultra-high throughput sequencing, nanostring technology, microarrays, rolling circle amplification, proximity-mediated ligation, PCR, qRT-PCR ChIP, ChIP-qPCR, or NPC-1 epitope-binding antibodies. Comparatively high levels of NPC-1 epitopes indicate the presence and/or severity of pancreas or colon cancer, and may indicate metastasis or poor cancer prognosis.

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be used in SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) techniques for diagnostic methods. The SQUID technique comprises attaching nanoparticles of iron oxide to antibodies, which are then injected into the patient. If a tumor is present, the antibodies with conjugated nanoparticles recognize and bind to the NPC-1 epitope on tumor cells. See, e.g., Hao, et al. (2010) Journal of Physics 43: 474004. In a SQUID method, the patient is then surrounded with sensitive magnetic coils in a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). A magnetic field is generated and all of the metal nanoparticles align in one direction. When the magnetic field is broken, the nanoparticles emit an electromagnetic signal as they relax back into their original state. By measuring the strength of the signal, one may tell how many metal particles, and therefore how many tumor cells, may be present, and where in the patient the tumor cells are located. See, e.g., Shao, et al. (2010) Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology 1: 142-154.

Samples and Procurement of Samples

The samples used in the methods described herein may be taken from a subject (patient) include but are not limited to a body fluid or secretion including but not limited to blood, serum, urine, plasma, prostatic fluid, seminal fluid, semen, the external secretions of the skin, respiratory, intestinal, and genitourinary tracts, tears, cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, saliva, milk, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, cyst fluid, secretions of the breast ductal system (and/or lavage thereof), broncho alveolar lavage, lavage of the reproductive system and lavage of any other part of the body or system in the body; samples of any organ including isolated cell(s) or tissue(s), wherein the cell or tissue can be obtained from an organ selected from, but not limited to lung, colon, ovarian and/or breast tissue; stool or a tissue sample, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the term encompasses samples of in vivo cell culture constituents. Prior to be subjected to the diagnostic assay, the sample can optionally be diluted with a suitable diluent.

Numerous well known tissue or fluid collection methods can be utilized to collect the biological sample from the subject in order to determine the level of DNA, RNA and/or polypeptide of the marker of interest in the subject. Examples of tissue or fluid collection methods include, but are not limited to, fine needle biopsy, needle biopsy, core needle biopsy and surgical biopsy (e.g., brain biopsy), and lavage. Regardless of the procedure employed, once a biopsy/sample is obtained the level of the marker may be determined and a diagnosis can thus be made.

Detection of NPC-1 Epitope

The invention provides a method for detecting the NPC-1 epitopes of this invention in a biological sample, comprising: contacting a biological sample with an antibody specifically recognizing a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic according to the present invention and detecting said interaction; wherein the presence of an interaction correlates with the presence of a NPC-1 epitope in the biological sample.

The NPC-1 epitopes described herein are non-limiting examples of markers for diagnosing a disease and/or an indicative condition. Each marker of the present invention may be used alone or in combination, for various uses, including but not limited to, prognosis, prediction, screening, early diagnosis, determination of progression, therapy selection and treatment monitoring of a cancer (e.g., pancreas, liver, colorectal, lung, or breast cancer).

The cancers that may be detected using the methods described herein include but are not limited to non-solid and solid tumors, cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, ovary, colon, uterus, stomach, cervix, liver, pancreas, and wherein the cancer may be invasive or metastatic.

Each NPC-1 epitopes of the present invention may be used alone or in combination, for various uses, including but not limited to, prognosis, prediction, screening, early diagnosis, determination of progression, therapy selection and treatment monitoring of cancers such as non-solid and solid tumors, cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, ovary, colon, uterus, stomach, cervix, liver, pancreas, and wherein the cancer may be invasive or metastatic. Such a combination may optionally comprise any subcombination of markers, and/or a combination featuring at least one other marker, for example a known marker. Furthermore, such a combination may optionally and preferably be used as described above with regard to determining a ratio between a quantitative or semi-quantitative measurement of any marker described herein to any other marker described herein, and/or any other known marker, and/or any other marker.

Markers of the present invention may optionally be used alone or in combination with known markers for lung cancer, including but not limited to CEA, CA15-3, β-2-microglobulin, CA19-9, TPA, and/or in combination with the known proteins for the variant marker as described herein.’

Markers of the present invention might optionally be used alone or in combination with known markers for ovarian cancer, including but not limited to CEA, CA125 (Mucin 16), CA72-4TAG, CA-50, CA 54-61, CA-195 and CA 19-9 in combination with CA-125, and/or in combination with the known proteins for the variant marker as described herein.

Markers of the present invention might optionally be used alone or in combination with known markers for colon cancer, including but not limited to CEA, CA19-9, CA50, and/or in combination with the known proteins for the variant marker as described herein.

Typically the level of the marker in a biological sample obtained from the subject is different (i.e., increased or decreased) from the level of the same marker in a similar sample obtained from a healthy individual (examples of biological samples are described herein).

Determining the level of the same marker in normal tissues of the same origin may be effected along-side to detect an elevated expression and/or amplification and/or a decreased expression, of the marker as opposed to the normal tissues.

The present invention also provides methods, uses, devices and assays for the diagnosis of cancers such as non-solid and solid tumors, cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, ovary, colon, uterus, stomach, cervix, liver, pancreas, and wherein the cancer may be invasive or metastatic. Optionally a plurality of markers may be used with the present invention. The plurality of markers may optionally include a markers described herein, and/or one or more known markers. The plurality of markers is preferably then correlated with the disease or condition. For example, such correlation may optionally comprise determining the concentration of each of the plurality of markers, and individually comparing each marker concentration to a threshold level. Optionally, if the marker concentration is above or below the threshold level (depending upon the marker and/or the diagnostic test being performed), the marker concentration correlates with the disease or condition. Optionally and preferably, a plurality of marker concentrations correlates with the disease or condition.

Alternatively, such correlating may optionally comprise determining the concentration of each of the plurality of markers, calculating a single index value based on the concentration of each of the plurality of markers, and comparing the index value to a threshold level. Also, such correlating may optionally comprise determining a temporal change in at least one of the markers, and wherein the temporal change is used in the correlating step.

Such correlating may optionally comprise determining whether at least “X” number of the plurality of markers has a concentration outside of a predetermined range and/or above or below a threshold (as described above). The value of “X” may optionally be one marker, a plurality of markers or all of the markers; alternatively or additionally, rather than including any marker in the count for “X”, one or more specific markers of the plurality of markers may optionally be required to correlate with the disease or condition (according to a range and/or threshold).

Correlating may optionally comprise determining whether a ratio of marker concentrations for two markers is outside a range and/or above or below a threshold. Optionally, if the ratio is above or below the threshold level and/or outside a range, the ratio correlates with the disease or condition. Optionally, a combination of two or more these correlations may be used with a single panel and/or for correlating between a plurality of panels. Optionally, the method distinguishes a disease or condition with a sensitivity of at least 70% at a specificity of at least 85% when compared to normal subjects. As used herein, sensitivity relates to the number of positive (diseased) samples detected out of the total number of positive samples present; specificity relates to the number of true negative (non-diseased) samples detected out of the total number of negative samples present. Preferably, the method distinguishes a disease or condition with a sensitivity of at least 80% at a specificity of at least 90% when compared to normal subjects. More preferably, the method distinguishes a disease or condition with a sensitivity of at least 90% at a specificity of at least 90% when compared to normal subjects. Also more preferably, the method distinguishes a disease or condition with a sensitivity of at least 70% at a specificity of at least 85% when compared to subjects exhibiting symptoms that mimic disease or condition symptoms.

A marker panel may be analyzed in a number of fashions well known to those of skill in the art. For example, each member of a panel may be compared to a “normal” value, or a value indicating a particular outcome. A particular diagnosis/prognosis may depend upon the comparison of each marker to this value; alternatively, if only a subset of markers is outside of a normal range, this subset may be indicative of a particular diagnosis/prognosis. The skilled artisan will also understand that diagnostic markers, differential diagnostic markers, prognostic markers, time of onset markers, disease or condition differentiating markers, may be combined in a single assay or device. Markers may also be commonly used for multiple purposes by, for example, applying a different threshold or a different weighting factor to the marker for the different purpose(s).

The panels may comprise markers for the following purposes: diagnosis of a disease; diagnosis of disease and indication if the disease is in an acute phase and/or if an acute attack of the disease has occurred; diagnosis of disease and indication if the disease is in a non-acute phase and/or if a non-acute attack of the disease has occurred; indication whether a combination of acute and non-acute phases or attacks has occurred; diagnosis of a disease and prognosis of a subsequent adverse outcome; diagnosis of a disease and prognosis of a subsequent acute or non-acute phase or attack; disease progression (for example for cancer, such progression may include for example occurrence or recurrence of metastasis).

The above diagnoses may also optionally include differential diagnosis of the disease to distinguish it from other diseases, including those cancers such as non-solid and solid tumors, cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, ovary, colon, uterus, stomach, cervix, liver, pancreas, and wherein the cancer may be invasive or metastatic that may feature one or more similar or identical symptoms.

One or more diagnostic or prognostic indicators are correlated to a condition or disease by merely the presence or absence of the indicator(s). In other embodiments, threshold level(s) of a diagnostic or prognostic indicator(s) can be established, and the level of the indicator(s) in a patient sample can simply be compared to the threshold level(s). The sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic and/or prognostic test depends on more than just the analytical “quality” of the test—they also depend on the definition of what constitutes an abnormal result. In practice, Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, or “ROC” curves, are typically calculated by plotting the value of a variable versus its relative frequency in “normal” and “disease” populations, and/or by comparison of results from a subject before, during and/or after treatment.

NPC-1 epitopes may be featured as a biomarker for detecting cancers such as non-solid and solid tumors, cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, ovary, colon, uterus, stomach, cervix, liver, pancreas, and wherein the cancer may be invasive or metastatic.

The present invention optionally and preferably encompasses any amino acid sequence or fragment thereof encoded by a nucleic acid sequence corresponding to NPC-1 epitopes as described herein. Any oligopeptide or peptide relating to such an amino acid sequence or fragment thereof may optionally also (additionally or alternatively) be used as a biomarker.

The present invention provides a method for detecting a polynucleotide of this invention in a biological sample, using NAT based assays, comprising: hybridizing the isolated nucleic acid molecules or oligonucleotide fragments of at least about a minimum length to a nucleic acid material of a biological sample and detecting a hybridization complex; wherein the presence of a hybridization complex correlates with the presence of the polynucleotide in the biological sample. Non-limiting examples of methods or assays are described herein. The present invention also relates to kits based upon such diagnostic methods or assays.

Additionally, the NPC-1 epitopes may be used as specific biomarkers for pancreas and colon cancer, and can be measured in biopsied tissue as well as in subject serum and fecal samples, as described herein. Additionally, diagnostic procedures used to detect colorectal cancer including but not limited to fecal occult blood test (FORT), colonoscopy, computed tomographic colonography (virtual colonoscopy) [detects colorectal lesions larger than 6 mm in diameter with the same sensitivity as colonoscopy], flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and digital rectal examination. Winawer, et al. (1997) Am J. Gastoenterology 112: 594-642; Blum (1995) Eur. J. Canc. 31: 1369-72; Ransohoff & Sandler (2002) N. Engl. J. Med. 346: 346-44; Bruzzi (2002) N. Engl. J. Med. 346: 1672-74; and Laghi, et al. (2002) Am. J. Surg. 183: 124-31.

Immunoassays

The NPC-1 peptidomimetics may be used in immunoassays to qualitatively or quantitatively detect and analyze markers in a sample. This method comprises providing an antibody specifically binds to a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic; contacting a sample with the antibody; and detecting the presence of a complex of the antibody bound to the marker in the sample.

An NPC-1 epitope may be detected and/or quantified using any of a number of well recognized immunological binding assays. Useful assays include, for example, an enzyme immune assay (ETA) such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a radioimmunoassay (RIA), a Western blot assay, or a slot blot assay. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,366,241; 4,376,110; 4,517,288; and 4,837,168. Generally, a sample obtained from a subject can be contacted with the antibody specifically binds the NPC-1 epitope.

Optionally, the antibody can be fixed to a solid support to facilitate washing and subsequent isolation of the complex, prior to contacting the antibody with a sample. Examples of solid supports include but are not limited to glass or plastic in the form of, e.g., a microtiter plate, a stick, a bead, or a microbead. Antibodies may be attached to a solid support.

After incubating the sample with antibodies, the mixture is washed and the antibody-marker complex formed may be detected. This can be accomplished by incubating the washed mixture with a detection reagent. Alternatively, the marker in the sample can be detected using an indirect assay, wherein, for example, a second, labeled antibody is used to detect bound marker-specific antibody, and/or in a competition or inhibition assay wherein, for example, a monoclonal antibody which binds to a distinct epitope of the marker are incubated simultaneously with the mixture.

Throughout the assays, incubation and/or washing steps may be required after each combination of reagents. Incubation steps can vary from about 5 seconds to several hours, preferably from about 5 minutes to about 24 hours. However, the incubation time will depend upon the assay format, marker, volume of solution, concentrations. Usually the assays will be carried out at ambient temperature, although they can be conducted over a range of temperatures (e.g., about 10° C.-40° C.).

The immunoassay can be used to determine a test amount of a marker in a sample from a subject. First, a test amount of a marker in a sample may be detected using the immunoassay methods described above. If a marker is present in the sample, it will form an antibody-marker complex with an antibody specifically binds the marker under suitable incubation conditions described above. The amount of an antibody-marker complex can optionally be determined by comparing to a standard. As noted above, the test amount of marker need not be measured in absolute units, as long as the unit of measurement can be compared to a control amount and/or signal. Several immunoassays are known in the art and the NPC-1 epitope, and antibodies specific for said antigens described herein may used in such immunoassays including but not limited to radio-immunoassay (RIA), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), magnetic immunoassay, immunoblot, Western blot, immunoprecipitation assays, immunohistochemical analysis, and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). See Wild, (2008) [Ed.] The Immunoassay Handbook [3^(nd) Ed.] Elsevier.

Radio-Imaging Methods

The NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics and antibodies that selectively bind NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetics may be used in radio-imaging methods to diagnosis cancer including pancreatic and colorectal cancer, or monitor the progression of tumors. These methods include but are not limited to, positron emission tomography (PET) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Both of these techniques are non-invasive, and can be used to detect and/or measure a wide variety of tissue events and/or functions, such as detecting cancerous cells for example. SPECT may optionally be used with two labels simultaneously. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,696,686.

Commercial Applications and Methods

The present invention further provides for the production of NPC-1 epitope, antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope to reach commercial quantities. The NPC-1 epitope, antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope may be produced on a large scale, stored if necessary, and supplied to hospitals, clinicians or other healthcare facilities.

Methods of production, storage, and distribution of NPC-1 epitope, antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope may be produced by the methods disclosed herein. Following production, the NPC-1 epitope, antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope may be harvested, purified, and optionally stored prior to a patient's treatment. For example, once a patient presents with an indication such as, for example, pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, or breast cancer, NPC-1 epitope, antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope may be ordered and provided in a timely manner. Accordingly, the present invention relates to methods of producing NPC-1 epitope to attain antibodies on a commercial scale, pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope, as well as methods of providing (i.e., producing, optionally storing, and selling) antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope to hospitals and clinicians. The production of NPC-1 epitope, antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof which selectively bind to NPC-1 epitope may be scaled up for commercial use.

The present invention also provides for methods of conducting a pharmaceutical business comprising establishing a distribution system for distributing the preparation for sale or may include establishing a sales group for marketing the pharmaceutical preparation.

All publications (e.g., Non-Patent Literature), patents, patent application publications, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All such publications (e.g., Non-Patent Literature), patents, patent application publications, and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application publication, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES

The invention now being generally described, it will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples, which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention.

Example 1 Identification of the NPC-1 Epitope

A NEO-100 antibody was generated in mice immunized with the so-called “Hollinshead colon cancer vaccine”. Hollinshead, et al. (1985) Cancer 56: 480-489. A NEO-100 antibody and the chimeric form, NEO-101, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,314,622 and 7,763,720. Several protein purifications were prepared using both mouse NPC-1 and recombinant, chimeric NEO-101 antibodies. Tumor cell lines including LS174T and HT-29 (human colorectal tumor), CFPAC-1 (human pancreatic tumor), colon cancer patient tumor specimen, and the Hollinshead colon cancer vaccines served as tumor antigen sources for protein extracts. The NPC-1 epitope is secreted into the medium of the human tumor cell lines, and the antigen was purified from tumor cell supernatant of cells grown in the absence of serum for 5 to 7 days. NEO-101 antibody was coupled to resins for the antigen purification, including magnetic beads, for simple adsorption, washing, and elution from the beads. Protein that eluted from a NEO-100 antibody-beads was studied further for antigen presence, characterization, and identification.

Western blotting of human tumor cell extracts and supernatants using NEO-101 antibody. Proteins from AsPC-1, LS174T or CFPAC-1 cell supernatants or cell pellet detergent extracts were run on SDS-PAGE, transferred to PVDF membrane, then stained with NEO-101 antibody. A high molecular mass species cross-reactive with a NEO-100 antibody estimated to be 1,000-2,000 kDa was identified by SDS-PAGE. A protein immunoblot of tumor antigen from cells using NEO-101 antibody including AsPC-1 cell pellet, AsPC-1 supernatant, LS174T cell pellet, LS174T supernatant, CFPAC-1 cell pellet, and CFPAC-1 supernatant along with molecular weight markers.

Immunopurified protein from LS174T tumor cells was subjected to proteolytic cleavage by either trypsin or protease V8, followed by Western Blot analysis of the protein fragments. A 1,000-2,000 kDa immunopurified antigen was digested into four discrete fragments ranging in mass from approximately 60 kDa to 220 lcDa, each containing an NPC-1 immunoreactive peptide epitope. A protein immunoblot of proteolytic digested tumor antigen from cells using NEO-101 antibody was run with LS174T cell pellet, LS174T supernatant, trypsin-digested immunopurified antigen, protease V8-digested immunopurified antigen along with a molecular weight marker. The data suggested that there are multiple NEO-101 antibody binding regions present on each molecule of the tumor antigen.

The NPC-1 epitope was prepared for identification by mass spectrometry by running immunopurified antigen preparation from several different tumor sources on SDS-PAGE, excising the high molecular mass, NPC-1 immunoreactive band from the polyacrylamide gel, and subjecting the protein to trypsin digestion followed by LC/MS/MS on an LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer. Trypsin peptide product ion data defined by mass and charge were searched against the concatenated forward and reverse IPI human database using the Mascot search engine. The database was appended with commonly observed background proteins to prevent false assignments of peptides derived from those proteins. Mascot output files were parsed into the Scaffold program for filtering to assess false discovery rates and allow only correct protein identifications. Rat, mouse, and human derived samples are searched against the International Protein Index (IPI) database. The antigen sources for these experiments were derived from human colorectal (LS174T, HT-29) and pancreatic (CFPAC-1) tumor cell lines. The results of six mass spectrometry experiments suggested the presence of MUC5AC-derived peptides in the NPC-1 immunopurification preparation.

The amino acid sequence of MUC5AC as reported in the IPI database (IPI00103397). The sequence consists of 5,030 amino acids with a predicted mass of 526,585 Da (without post-translational modifications including glycosylation). Comparing the peptide coverage from the mass spectrometetry experiments with the amino acid sequence of MUC5AC (SEQ ID NO: 36), and other peptide coverage maps, reveal that most of the peptides sequenced after trypsin digestion derive from either the N-terminal third or the C-terminal third of the molecule. In each experiment, there were very few peptides that derived from the central third of the MUC5AC molecule, which contains “tandem repeats” of 8 amino acid residues including, for example, TTSTTSAP (SEQ ID NO: 42), GSTPSPVP (SEQ ID NO: 43), and TASTTSGP (SEQ ID NO: 44). Silverman, et al., (2001) Glycobiology 11: 459-71. This region of MUC5AC is highly glycosylated in normal MUC5AC-expressing tissues, such as lung and colon endothelium. It is probable that the lack of peptide sequence coverage in the central region of MUC5AC, as detected by mass spectrometry, is due to a high degree of glycosylation in the region, which interferes with digestion by trypsin. These results suggest that the tandem repeat region of MUC5AC comprises at least one NPC-1 epitope.

Example 2 NPC-1 Epitope Knockdown

A small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) target sequence designed against a region of MUC5AC was used in cells known to express the NPC-1 epitope. Several siRNA oligonucleotides were designed based upon MUC5AC sequences. The sequences of the human MUC5AC siRNA oligonucleotides are shown in Table 5:

TABLE 5 Sequence of MUC5AC siRNA oligonucleotides Oligonucleatide Strand Sequence siRNA ID #: s9074 Sense AGAUGUGCCUCAACUACGAtt (SEQ ID NO: 51) Anti-Sense UCGUAGUUGAGGCACAUCUtg (SEQ ID NO: 52) siRNA ID #: s9075 Sense GCUCUGGAACGUGAGCAUAtt (SEQ ID NO: 53) Anti-Sense UAUGCUCACGUUCCAGAGCcg (SEQ ID NO: 54) siRNA ID #: s9076 Sense GCGUGCUCGUCGACAACUAtt (SEQ ID NO: 55) Anti-Sense UAGUUGUCGACGAGCACGCgg (SEQ ID NO: 56)

The siRNAs were transfected into LS174 and CFPAC-1 tumor cells, as well as A549 cells. A549 is a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line that expresses MUC5AC (as shown by PCR and detection using commercially available antibodies against MUC5AC), but not NPC-1 epitope. The MUC5AC species expressed by A549 cells is not immunoreactive with NEO-101 antibody, a characteristic that demonstrates the tumor specificity of the NPC-1 epitope in contrast to the commercially available antibodies against MUC5AC. The A549 cells serve as a control to show the pancreas/colon tumor-binding specificity of the NEO-101 antibody. Following transfection of the siRNA into tumor cells, the MUC5AC expressed by the cells was measured by specific PCR to measure the levels of MUC5AC mRNA, and a sandwich ELISA using NEO-101 antibody to measure the levels of MUC5AC. The data shown in Table 6 demonstrate that a cocktail of three siRNA oligonucleotides resulted in significant decreases of both MUC5AC mRNA and NEO-101-reactive MUC5AC protein (e.g., NPC-1 epitope).

TABLE 6 siRNA knockdown of MUC5AC in human pancreatic (CFPAC-1) and colorectal (LS174T) tumor cells Normalized Normalized MUC5AC mRNA* MUC5AC protein** Untreated CFPAC-1 1 1 CFPAC-1 Treated 20 pmol 0.2737 0.6967 with SiRNA 50 pmol 0.3057 0.6901 cocktail 200 pmol  0.1368 0.3566 Untreated LS174T 1 1 LS174T Treated 20 pmol 0.6917 0.53 with SiRNA 50 pmol 0.3858 0.402 cocktail 200 pmol  0.235 0.117 *MUC5AC mRNA level was measured by RT-PCR, normalized as a percent of mRNA levels detected in untreated cells. **MUC5AC protein level secreted into cell supernatants was measured by sandwich ELISA [NEO-101 to capture and anti-MUC5AC antibody 1-13M (Abcam catalog #ab24070) to detect], normalized as a percent detected in untreated cells.

The amount of decreased MUC5AC expression was dependent on the dose of the siRNA cocktail transfected into the cells. Approximately 70%-90% of MUC5AC expression (mRNA and protein) was inhibited in both LS174T and CFPAC-1 cell lines at 200 pmoles of the siRNA cocktail. These results confirmed that MUC5AC is the target of the NEO-101 antibody. The A549 cells used as a control in these experiments showed decreased MUC5AC expression by mRNA analysis but there was no change in the NEO-101 sandwich ELISA because the MUC5AC expressed by these cells is not recognized by a NEO-100 antibody. Thus, the siRNA data demonstrates that reducing MUC5AC expression lead to a concurrent decrease in NEO-101 antibody binding.

Example 3 NPC-1 Epitope Mapping

The data by western blots of trypsin-digested MUC5AC indicated that there may be several NEO-101 antibody binding sites on each molecule of MUC5AC, suggesting that a binding region may be present in each of the tandem repeat units located in the central region of the molecule. An exemplary amino acid sequence of MUC5AC is presented in SEQ ID NO: 36 with an exemplary nucleic acid sequence encoding MUC5AC presented in SEQ ID NO: 37. Therefore, a recombinant expression plasmid was designed and constructed that encoded residues upstream of tandem repeat units and two tandem repeat units (“MUC5AC-long” SEQ ID NO: 38 with the corresponding nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39). The MUC5AC long peptide corresponds to amino acid residues 2636 to 2942 of the MUC5AC protein (SEQ ID NO: 36). A second expression plasmid was designed and constructed that encoded primarily a short domain which connects to the central repetitive region and only a portion of the tandem repeat residues (“MUC5AC-short” SEQ ID NO: 40 with the nucleic acid encoding it in SEQ ID NO: 41). The MUC5AC short peptide corresponds to amino acid residues 2636 to 2763 of the MUC5AC protein (SEQ ID NO: 36). These smaller fragments of the large MUC5AC molecule were predicted to comprise NEO-101 antibody binding regions that contain the NPC-1 epitope(s).

The DNA sequences that contained NEO-101 antibody binding regions, based on the amino acid sequence, were back-translated to nucleic acid sequence and the DNAs were synthesized by methods well-known in the art. These DNA fragments were cloned into a mammalian expression plasmid by standard techniques, and several independent clones were transfected into Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells that were shown previously not to express the NPC-1 epitope. Analysis of the CHO cells following the transfection demonstrated immunoreactivity with a NEO-100 antibody in several of the plasmid clones. Experiments were performed to test binding by immunofluorescence and immunoprotein blotting of extracts from transfected cells.

Immunofluorescence quantitation data showed that NEO-1.01 antibody bound to 11%-80% of CHO cells transfected with different plasmid clones of the MUC5AC short construct, and 76%-88% of CHO cells transfected with different plasmid clones of the MUC5AC long construct. Western blot analysis using NEO-101 to probe CHO cell extracts following transfection with the MUC5AC short and MUC5AC long plasmid clones was performed. The NEO-101 antibody binding region was expressed by both of these MUC5AC-related-peptides as confirmed by Western blot analysis. The molecular mass of the immunoreactive protein bands represents the predicted mass of the protein fragment, including glycosylation that occurs in the mammalian CHO cells. The data further confirm that the NPC-1 antigen (e.g., a NEO-100 antibody binding region) is contained in the MUC5AC-related fragments isolated and expressed in the transfected cells.

The results of these experiments show that at least one NPC-1 epitope is contained within both the 307 amino acid-fragment of the MUC5AC long peptide and within the 128 amino acid-fragment of the MUC5AC short peptide. These results also suggest that the NPC-1 epitope may be a conformational epitope rather than a liner epitope.

Example 4 Deletion Constructs for Detailed Epitope Mapping of the MUC5AC Long Antigen

The NEO-101 binding region was shown to be expressed by the MUC5AC, successive truncations starting at either the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the construct may be generated by standard molecular biology techniques to identify a region which is involved in NEO-101 antibody binding to MUC5AC. Six truncation constructs were made representing C-terminal truncations of the full-length MUC5AC protein (SEQ ID NO: 36).

TABLE 7 Truncation constructs of MUC5AC Construct Modification SEQ ID NO Binds NPG-1? 1-338 C-terminal truncation 50 Yes 1-289 C-terminal truncation 49 Yes 1-187 C-terminal truncation 48 Yes 1-151 C-terminal truncation 47 Yes 1-136 C-terminal truncation 46 No 1-85 C-terminal truncation 45 No

293T cells were cultured on FBS coated cover slips for 24 hours. Cells were transiently transfected with 2 μg of MUC5AC constructs of Table 8 with LIPOFECTAMINE®. Cells were grown for about 72 hours, fixed with about 4% PFA in PBS, washed with PBS, permeabilized with about 0.2% triton X-20 in PBS and washed with PBS. Cells were then blocked with about 1% BSA in PBS, and about 2 μg/ml NEO-101 antibody was added to sample wells and about 2 μg/ml of an Isotype control was added for 1 hour at room temp. Cells were washed with PBS and second anti human-FITC antibody (1:500) was added to all wells and to the second antibody control wells. Cells were washed and mounted on slides with DAPI hard mount. Cover slides were allowed to sit over night at about 4° C. Slides were visualized with a Nikon Eclipse Ti microscope with an Andor camera. At least 3 random fields were counted per transfection.

This strategy was used to identify an about 15 amino acid-region that contains a NPC-1 epitope: GCPVTSTPVTAPSTP (SEQ ID NO: 35). The MUC5AC constructs with 338, 289, 187, and 151 amino acid residues all had binding activity with the NEO-101 antibody. See TABLE 2B. The deletions 151 and 85 showed no binding. The second antibody and the IgG controls were also negative for binding to the 293T cell lines transfected with the MUC5AC 338 residue construct (SEQ ID NO: 50). These data suggest that the GCPVTSTPVTAPSTP (SEQ ID NO: 35) sequence is involved in the binding of the NPC-101 antibody to MUC5AC. This is a repetitive sequence that also has some changes in it which are also probable scaffold for the binding sites for the NEO-101 antibody. This repetitive sequence and variations can be found in the longer deletions of MUC5AC and MUC5AC itself.

Example 5 NPC-1 Epitope is a Specific Biomarker for Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer

The NEO-101 antibody is specific for MUC5AC-related antigen expressed from human colon (LS174T) and pancreas (CFPAC-1) cancer cell lines. MUC5AC-related antigen expressed by these two cancer cell lines comprised the NPC-1 epitope, and competed effectively with native MUC5AC antigen previously coated on ELISA plates for binding to NEO-101 in the assay. As a control, non-NPC-1-bearing MUC5AC expressed by A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells did not compete with NEO-101 antibody binding to native MUC5AC coated to the ELISA plates.

LS174T and CFPAC-1 cells were grown on cover slips coated in 1-13S for 48 hours. Cells were then fixed with 4% PFA in PBS, washed with PBS, permeabilized with 0.2% Triton X-100, washed with PBS and blocked with 1% BSA in PBS. Cells were incubated with either 2 μg/ml NEO-101, MS-X, 2-11M1, H160, 351-450, 2-12M1, or 1-13M1. Cells were washed with PBS and then second antibody was added anti-human-FITC, anti-mouse-FITC or anti-rabbit-FITC (1:500), cells were washed and mounted on slides with DAPI hard mount. Cover slides were allowed to sit over night at 4° C. Slides were visualized with a Nikon Eclipse Ti microscope with an Andor camera.

All of the antibodies stained the LS174T cells. The staining patterns and localization looked about the same for all antibodies tested. There were differences in cell staining on the CFPAC-1 cells compared to the LS174T cells. NEO-101 stained about 50% of the cells. MS-X and 2-11M1 stained less than 5% of the cells. 351-450 and 2-12M1 did not have any staining with the CFPAC-1 cells. H160 and 1-13M1 stained 100% of the CFPAC-1 cells.

This data suggests that all the antibodies can detect the colorectal MUC5AC protein with the same efficiency but in pancreatic cancer cells there are variations in the staining patterns between different MUC5AC antibodies. This suggests that NEO-101 may detect both types of MUC5AC and that other commercial antibodies do not recognize the same epitope.

A homologous ELISA assay (adapted from an ImmunoBooster® ELISA kit, Bioworld Consulting Laboratories, LLC, Mt. Airy, Md.) was designed using NEO-101 antibody as both capture and detection reagent (e.g., a sandwich ELISA was developed using NEO-101 antibody as the capture reagent using a biotin-labeled NEO-101 used as the detection antibody.) This homologous antibody format was possible due to the discovery of multiple NPC-1 antigen binding sites expressed by the cancer-associated MUC5AC-related antigen. Serum samples were procured from various commercial and private sources. The assay developed here used serum from colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients, and serum from healthy blood donors.

Microtiter plates (96-well Nunc Maxisorp) were coated with purified unlabeled NEO-101 antibody at about 10 μg/mL in 0.5 M sodium carbonate pH 9.5 overnight at about 25° C. Plates were then blocked with 1% skim milk made in Tris-Buffered Saline (TBS) containing 5 mM EDTA and 1% sucrose for about 4 hours at about 2° C. Plates prepared in this manner may be stored dried and sealed for at least about 8 months. All dilutions were made in ImmunoBooster® buffers (Bioworld Consulting Laboratories, LLC) supplemented with 20 mM EDTA. Wash buffer was TBS containing 0.05% Tween®-20 non-ionic detergent. A detergent extract of cultured human LS174T colorectal tumor cells was used as a source of NPC-1 antigen to derive a standard curve. Extracts derived from human pancreatic CFPAC-1 tumor cells or human lung A549 tumor cells were generated similarly. Tumor cell lines were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, Va.) and grown in RPMI medium containing 10% PBS (heat-inactivated) with 8 mM glutamine. To measure direct binding of NEO-101 to the MUC5AC-related antigen, CFPAC-1 cells were grown in serum-free medium for about 5 days and the conditioned medium was filtered and stored in large one large lot at about 4° C.

The sandwich ELISAs were performed by diluting the cell extract standard on each plate, next to patient or normal serum samples diluted 1:24 in the diluent. All incubations were performed at about 25° C. and all volumes were about 100 μl per well. The plates were incubated for 15 min and washed three times with wash buffer. The biotin-labeled NEO-101 was then added to the wells at 1 g/mL, incubated for about 15 min, and plates were washed three times. Peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin (1:5,000 dilution) was added to the plates for about 15 min, and plates were washed three times with wash buffer and two times with TBS. The assay was developed by the addition of TMB substrate (BioFX Laboratories Inc.) to the plates, incubation for about 15 minutes, then the color reaction was stopped with the addition of 0.5 M sulfuric acid. The data was acquired by measuring absorbance at 450 nm. The data collected was processed using GraphPad Prism or Microsoft Excel software packages.

This ELISA was used to evaluate the serum of colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients (n=42), serum from healthy blood donors (n=75), and serum from potentially interfering disease states such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease (n=56). Analysis of these various serum samples demonstrates the use of the NPC-1 antigen biomarker assay to detect NPC-1 epitope (e.g., aberrant MUC5AC) shed into the blood of colorectal cancer patients. An NPC-1 ELISA test may detect aberrant MUC5AC from colon cancer patients. C1 and C2 are normal serum samples from healthy blood donors. AB pool is serum pooled from many healthy blood donors. All other samples numbered #1 through #17 are serum collected from colon cancer patients. The use of NEO-101 antibody as the coating antibody (capture antibody) and biotin-labeled NEO-101 as the detection antibody is highly specific, and may be explained by the presence of multiple binding regions (i.e., epitopes) on the same antigen molecule, such that steric hindrance is obviated.

Patients with colorectal or pancreas cancer were asked to participate in a study. Serum samples were received and stored at about −35° C. until the time of testing. Tumor biopsy slides were received at ambient room temperature and subsequently analyzed by IHC using biotin-labeled antibodies. Patient information was also provided, containing limited clinical data for the patient sample (disease stage, current medications). For each patient enrolled, 1, 2 or 3 serum samples were provided for each patient separated by approximately 1-month. A group of “normal healthy” serum samples was included for comparison. These were purchased from a large metropolitan blood bank and comprised a group of self-proclaimed normal individual males and females of mixed race aged 40- to 59-years-old. The actual health status of these donors is unknown, thus comparison of any sample to this normal donor group may be done with appropriate caution.

The NEO-101 serum ELISA was performed using a standard antigen prepared from a cultured cell line extract from tumor cells known to express the NPC-1 antigen. Triplicates of a 1/24 dilution of serum samples from groups of “healthy normal” donors and clinically diagnosed colon and pancreas cancer patients were tested in the assay and the raw data were interpolated from the standard curve. Expression of the NPC-1 antigen was determined relative to this standard antigen preparation (equivalents of LS174T cells/well).

Results showed that interfering disease states, which are expected typically to have elevated serum MUC5AC, did not express higher levels of NPC-1 epitope compared to controls. Further, comparison of the serum MUC5AC levels from colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients with serum from healthy controls demonstrated the assay's ability to differentiate the cancer patients from the normal donors with approximately 0.7 log units difference. Moreover, the NEO-101 ELISA accurately differentiated patients with active or metastatic disease from patients who had no evidence of disease. Notably, in a side-by-side comparison of the NEO-101 ELISA to a commercial ELISA for CA19-9, the NEO-101 ELISA proved superior.

Patients enrolled on the clinical diagnostic study agreed to provide their tumor biopsy or surgical specimen to be stained immunohistochemically with NEO-101. Tumor sections were prepared as slides, and two additional slides were prepared for negative control (human IgG1) and positive control (cytokeratin) staining to ensure quality controls for the IHC method. More specifically, tumor biopsy specimens from colorectal and pancreas cancer patients were deparaffinized at about 60° C. for 30 min prior to staining with NEO-101. Subsequently, all staining steps were carried out at about 25° C. Slides (4 μm) were blocked with Peroxo-Bloc® inhibitor (Zymed Laboratories) for about 2 min, rinsed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and blocked with CAS (Zymed) for an additional about 10 minutes. Slides were stained with about 10 μg/mL of biotin-labeled NEO-101 for 1 hour, and washed three times with PBS containing 0.05% Tween®-20 non-ionic detergent. Previous titration of biotinylated-NEO-101 demonstrated about 10 μg/mL to be an optimal concentration for immunohistochemical detection of the NPC-1 antigen. A 1:400 dilution of peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin (Dako North America, Inc.) was then applied to the slides for about 30 minutes and slides were washed three times. A solution of DAB (Zymed) was applied for about 2-3 minutes then rinsed with PBS. A solution of hematoxylin was then applied for about 3 minutes and rinsed with tap water until clear. The slides were dehydrated with xylene and a coverslip was added using Permount® mounting medium. Additional consecutive slides were stained with human cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (Abcam plc) as a positive control, and human IgG1 isotype as a negative control (AXXORA, LLC).

All antibodies were biotinylated prior to use and tested independently at various concentrations using human tumor tissues known to react with the antibodies. Primary antibody (NEO-101) was used at about 10 μg/mL, detected with streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate, and mounted on slides. A positive staining scale ranging from +1 to +5 was applied to the staining results, measured by light microscopy. Tissues stained with NEO-101 were considered positive (+1 to +5) for an average of 79% of the patient tumor samples (30 of 38 of both colorectal and pancreatic cancer biopsies) including the 5 pancreatic tumor samples. Tissues that were negative or considered weak staining by the immunohistochemist were considered negative. These staining results are similar to results from several other studies completed with antibodies using tissue array slides, and both frozen and paraffin-embedded surgical specimens. Results of the IHC staining are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 IHC Staining Results Number of Positive by IHC Cancer Type Subjects with NEO-101 Colorectal 33   76% (25/33) Pancreatic 5 100% (5/5) Notes: (1) most tissue biopsy samples were collected when patients were staged with stage 2 to 4 cancer, (2) negative and positive control tissues slides were included and shown to stain negatively with secondary antibody only (negative) or anti-cytokeratin antibody (positive).

The IHC staining results using the NEO-101 antibody was then compared to the results for each serum ELISA for every subject where both sets of results (sera and biopsy) were available. For simplicity, the average of the serum ELISA from each blood draw was used for this comparison. The results of this analysis demonstrated that 84% (32/38) of the serum samples were positive using a cutoff of 335 units/mL and 79% (30/38) of the tissue samples were positive, providing a high concordance of the two assays using NEO-101.

A larger number of serum samples were procured to test the utility of the serum-based ELISA in detecting the NPC-1 antigen. A sampling of 41 colorectal or pancreas cancer patient sera was compared with sera collected from 28 normal healthy blood donors. In this population of cancer patients, blood was collected serially during an approximately 3-month period for several of the patients while they were undergoing various treatment regimens with a medical oncologist. For multiple reasons, blood was not collected from all patients at all three timepoints. Thus, there were 41 patients that donated blood at their first evaluation by the medical oncologist, followed by 33 patients that donated their blood at the second visit, and 25 patients who completed all three blood donations at the third visit. The majority of patients were diagnosed with Stage III or IV disease.

FIG. 2A shows the results of testing this larger panel of colorectal and pancreatic cancer patient serum specimens, compared to a group of normal healthy blood donors. Analysis of the results demonstrated approximately a 0.7 log difference between the cancer patients and the healthy donors at each of the three blood draws. The mean and standard error of the mean for each control group for the assays are: Normals (355±60), Col/Pan Ca, 1-month (1,757±580), Cal/Pan Ca, 2-month (1,894±671), Col/Pan Ca, 3-month (1,293±390). Using the unpaired t-test (2-tailed) method to evaluate the difference between the Normal sera group and the cancer sera groups, the differences for each comparison were: Normal vs. 1-month [p=0.0511]; Normal vs. 2-month [p=0.0397]; Normal vs. 3-month [p=0.0153]. Furthermore, using a cutoff value of 355 cells/well derived from the Normal sera average, 73% of Col/Pan Ca, 1-month sera were above the cutoff (30 of 41 samples), and 88% were above the cutoff in each of the 2-month (29 of 33 samples) and 3-month (22 of 25 samples) in those groups. Overall, the samples represent an average of 82% positive above the cutoff established for the assay. These results show that the NPC-1 antigen ELISA can distinguish differences between serum from normal donors and colorectal or pancreas cancer patients, with a good level of confidence.

The cancer patient population tested in this study was further stratified by disease type. This analysis, in FIG. 2B, shows that there was no difference distinguished by the mean NEO-101 ELISA results among those patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (n=36) from those patients diagnosed with pancreas cancer (n=5). Both groups separately demonstrated approximately 0.7 log units higher NPC-1 epitope expression levels compared to the group of healthy donors.

NPC-1 epitope may also be used in monitoring colon or pancreas cancer patients during the course of a treatment regimen, just as the CEA and CA19-9 assays are used currently. That is, as a surrogate marker for a treatment regimen for a cancer patient (is the patient responding or not). From patients that donated multiple serum samples, the amount of NPC-1 antigen biomarker detected in the assay was plotted versus the time of the blood draw. The results showed that some patients appeared to express similar amounts of the NPC-1 antigen during the 2- or 3-month period when blood was drawn (subjects 5, 14, 15, 19, 25, 28, 29), whereas some patients appeared to experience a 1.5× to 5× increase in NPC-1 antigen expression (subjects 1, 2, 7, 33, 39) or a 1.2× to 3× decrease in the NPC-1 antigen expression (subjects 18, 22, 23, 28, 34, 36, 40). The significance of these shifts over time are presently unclear, but may be related to the tumor burden of the patient at the time the blood was drawn, which may be directly related to the specific treatment regimen of individual patients. The results demonstrate trends for certain patients that may reflect cancer regression, progression, or stable disease. Once these data are coupled with the disease status in patients, the correlation is apparent. Additionally, the NEO-101 assay appears to be better than either of the CEA and CA19-9 assays (i.e., NPC-1 is more sensitive). Additionally, neither the CEA nor CA19-9 sera tests can be used to diagnose cancer (as does, for example, the prostate serum antigen test). Hence, the present invention provides for the predictive value of NPC-1 epitope as a new serum biomarker to diagnose and monitor treatment of colorectal and pancreatic cancer.

Example 6 NPC-1 Epitope is a Glycotope Comprising an Aberrant Tumor-Specific Glycosylation Pattern

The MUC5AC epitope was mapped and further characterized in order to better elucidate the carbohydrate dependence of NEO-101 antibody binding. CFPAC-1 supernate (pancreatic cancer cell line CFPAC-1 supernate) containing NPC-1 epitope was exhaustively digested with thermolysin which resulted in no detectable activity in Western blot with NEO-101 antibody.

This was a two part experiment where the antigen (pancreatic cancer cell line CFPAC-1 supernate) was digested with the protease thermolysin (Sigma) at an enzyme:substrate ratio of 1:10. CFPAC supernate in 200 mM TRIS buffer, 500 mM NaCl, 25 mM CaCl₂ pH 7.6 overnight at either about 37° C. or 65° C. After digestion enzyme inactivated sample (in EDTA) were run in SDS-PAGE gels after which time a conventional western blot was performed with NEO-101 antibody and anti-human IgG peroxidase (Jackson Laboratories) detection. There was no longer detectable antigen activity after thermolysin digestion.

The digested CFPAC-1 supernate antigen still retained full inhibitory activity in a competition immunoassay where CFPAC-1 supernate antigen is coated onto a microplate and the binding of soluble NPC-1-C is followed as the readout. Both the CFPAC-1 supernate and its thermolysin digest were found to inhibit in a similar fashion but the filtrate from a 10,000 dalton cutoff spin filter did not. This suggested that the inhibitory fragment(s) are larger than 10,000 daltons but considerably smaller than the native antigen seen on the gel.

Thermolysin was then used to fragment MUC5AC. The thermolytic fragments from the three tandem repeat regions of MUC5AC were the selected in order to construct a multiple alignment of possible epitope containing fragments having a common consensus sequence. These experiments not only limited the size of the prospective epitope but also suggested a possible association with O-linked carbohydrate substitution given the presence of motifs. This data indicates that a NEO-100 antibody binds to a region of MUC5AC comprising the peptide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 34 or 35) which serves as a scaffold for an aberrant, tumor-specific glycosylation pattern. This aberrant, tumor-specific glycosylation pattern (secondary structure) is apparently attached to residues in SEQ ID NO: 34 or 35 contained in the antigen bound by a NEO-100 antibody (e.g., NEO-101, NEO-102, NEO-103).

The carbohydrate dependence of NEO-101 binding was further confirmed by glycosidase enzyme digestions, chemical modifications, and mimicry. A panel of glycosidases (Northstar Bioproducts) was used to explore a possible change in the ability of CFPAC-1 supernate antigen to inhibit NEO-101 binding to the same antigen immobilized on microplates (competition assay). The commercial enzyme panel comprised a plurality of enzymes: (a) o-glycosidase, (b) β1→4 galactosidase, (c) PNGase F, α2→3, 6, 8, 9 specific neuraminidase, and (d) β N acetyl glucosaminidase. Of all enzymes tested neuraminidase (3, 6, 8 selective) stood out producing significant modifications to the antigen. This was observed in the competition ELISA using CFPAC coated plates and NEO-101. Surprisingly, of o-glycosidase, (b) β1→4 galactosidase, (c) PNGase F, α2→3, 6, 8, 9 specific neuraminidase, and (d) β N acetyl glucosaminidase treatment, only the neuraminidase digestion eliminated activity of the antigen. Unexpectedly, it was observed that the antigen activity is sensitive to neuraminidase, mild sodium periodate oxidation treatment at 4° C. (a method that selectively destroys sensitive vicinal diol bonded hydroxyl groups found in sialic acids) also eliminated the binding of NEO-101 to the MUC5AC.

The results of the neuraminidase digestion result suggest that sialic acid is comprised in the carbohydrate residues which are attached to amino acids in the primary structure of the antigen that constitute the epitope. A neuraminidase from Macrobdella decora (Calbiochem) which is selective for α2→3 linkages was inactive. Only neuraminidase with broad spectrum (α2→3, 6, 8) from Arthrobacter ureafaciens showed activity. Since α2→8 linked sialic acid is relatively uncommon except in neuronal tissues, the results highly suggest that the epitope contains sialic acid α2→6 type linkages. The periodate treatment further narrows the binding to include C8 and C9 hydroxyl groups on sialic acid as possible contact points with NEO-101. A competition assay comparing CFPAC-1 supernatant treated with α2-3 neuraminidase, α2-3, 6, 8 neuraminidase, and sodium periodate to a CFPAC-1 control was also effected. Only CFPAC-1 supernatant treated with α2-3 neuraminidase and sodium periodate showed a lack of binding of the NEO-101 antibody. Thus, the antigen detected in the serum ELISA bound by the NEO-101 antibody is also sensitive to sodium periodate and α2-3 neuraminidase but not α2-3, 6, 8 neuraminidase.

Serum from a normal healthy individual (Normal Serum) or serum from a patient with a Colon Cancer was treated overnight with several concentrations of sodium periodate. The reaction was then stopped by addition of 50% glycerol. The treated samples were then assayed for NPC-1 epitope content by ELISA using NEO-101 antibody in a homologous format were NEO-101 was both the capture reagent and detector reagent in a biotinylated form.

A form of mimicry was unexpectedly discovered where bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) (Sigma) bound very well to NEO-101 in ELISA, and western blot. This cross-reactive antigen provided a source of material to further explore the carbohydrate dependence of NEO-101 binding. The BSM reactivity with NEO-101 antibody was sensitive to both periodate and neuraminidase treatments. The competition assay comparing CFPAC-1 supernatant with BSM on the ability to inhibit NEO-101 antibody binding to CFPAC coated plates.

BSM or CFPAC-1 supernatant was treated with sodium periodate and neutralized essentially as described previously. The treated antigens were then coated onto a microplate which was subsequently probed with a titration of NEO-101 antibody. The readout after an anti-human IgG-peroxidase (Jackson) secondary antibody binding step was obtained with TMB substrate. This shows that BSM and CFPAC-1 supernate antigen both have a similar periodate sensitivity with respect to the NPC-1 epitope. This result is consistent with mild acid hydrolysis experiments which points to a common sialic acid partial glycotope.

The binding of NEO-101 to its antigen(s) is salt sensitive, further supporting the finding that the binding may have an ionic dependence, contributed by negatively charged sialic acid residues in the antigen. CFPAC-1 supernate coated plate was a capture and the readout was NEO-101 antibody binding in the presence of several concentrations of NaCl.

The NPC-1 monoclonal antibody was compared to the Sialyl Tn monoclonal antibody (Abeam) and antibodies that bind the CA19-9 antigen. With BSM coated plate as capture and variable amount of NEO-101 added, a constant amount of sialyl Tn antibody was added resulting in no competition of NEO-101 binding. When sialyl Tn was tested in pre-blocking a BSM plate, no such blocking of NEO-101 binding occurred. 50% of the O-liked glycans on BSM have the following sequence which is defined by antibodies binding to Sialyl Tn: NeuAcα2→6GalNAcα1→Ser/Thr. Selective neuraminidase digestion showed that the epitope recognized by the NEO-101 antibody comprises a NeuAca2→6 linkage. Sialyl Tn antibody blocking experiments demonstrated that NEO-101 and Sialyl Tn do not share an epitope as there is no competition for binding between these antibodies (e.g., Sialyl Tn binds a different epitope). These results also suggest that the epitope recognized by NEO-101 is sensitive to removal of α2→6,8 linked sialic acid but not α2→3 linked sialic acid, excluding CA19-9 as the antigen. Further, the epitope is sensitive to mild periodate oxidation thereby suggesting that sialic acid C8, C9 hydroxyl groups may be contact sites to NEO-101 or mucin. Therefore, the sialyl Tn monoclonal antibody does not bind the same epitope as a NEO-100 antibody. Further, a NEO-100 antibody does not bind to the CA19-9 antigen.

Accordingly, the NPC-1 epitope is sensitive to mild acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, and neuraminidase digestion, all treatments known to elicit a degradative effect on sialic acid, and suggesting that sialic acid is a key sugar forming part of the glycotope recognized by a NEO-100 antibody. Further, the linkage of sialic acid to the penultimate sugar of the epitope was suggested to be α2→6 rather than α2→3 by virtue of the epitope destructive effect only seen with neuraminidase from Arthrobacter ureafaciens (broad spectrum neuraminidase) and not neuramidase from Macrobdella décora selective only for α2→3 linkages. Additionally, the NEO-101 antibody binds effectively to bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) and proteolytic digest thereof. This suggests that a homologous glycotope exists on BSM and there is diminished relevance of the peptide part of the molecule. The NPC-1 epitope is salt sensitive, thereby suggesting the importance of charged residues, possibly due to clustered negatively charged sialic acid residues having the appropriate ionic character.

Example 7 Pharmacology and Toxicology Data

Proposed Mechanism of Action of NEO-101

The NEO-101 antibody was tested for antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against several colorectal and pancreatic tumor cell targets in vitro. The ADCC assay measures the amount of cell cytotoxicity that an antibody facilitates in a defined time period by the release of radiolabelled cytoplasmic proteins into the culture medium. The data show that in a standard 4-hour 111-Indium release assay that NEO-101 facilitated the killing of the colorectal and pancreatic tumor cell lines. The specific lytic activity of NEO-101 is demonstrated with an isotype IgG control as well as cell line controls that do not express the MUC5AC antigen (DU145 and SK-mel). See Table 9. The specific lytic activity was titratable with the number of effector cells in the assay.

TABLE 9 ADCC Assay: NEO-101 Antibody Killing Against Tumor Cell Lines Effector: % Specific Killing (±SEM) Target Isotype Tumor Cell Line Target Cell Ratio control Ab NEO-101 Colo-205 (Colorectal) 50:1  9.8 ± 1.9 66.7 ± 0.6 25:1  0.8 ± 1.2 46.4 ± 1.6 12.5:1  −0.5 ± 0.1 32.8 ± 2.0 SW620 (Colorectal) 50:1  1.6 ± 0.2 63.7 ± 2.9 25:1  3.5 ± 1.8 61.0 ± 1.8 12.5:1   0.0 ± 0.3 51.5 ± 0.9 SW1463 (Colorectal) 50:1  0.1 ± 1.1 33.8 ± 1.0 25:1 −1.3 ± 0.2 25.5 ± 0.6 12.5:1  −1.2 ± 0.1 17.9 ± 1.7 LS174T (Colorectal) 50:1 −1.2 ± 0.1 26.8 ± 2.9 25:1 −0.8 ± 0.1 18.5 ± 4.1 12.5:1  −1.1 ± 0.0  9.5 ± 0.5 AsPC-1 (Pancreatic) 50:1 −0.8 ± 2.9 44.5 ± 6.8 25:1 −7.0 ± 2.2 36.2 ± 2.6 12.5:1  −1.2 ± 0.9 26.5 ± 6.7 CFPAC-1 (Pancreatic) 50:1 −1.2 ± 2.3 26.9 ± 1.6 25:1 −2.4 ± 0.1 23.2 ± 2.2 12.5:1  −2.0 ± 0.4 11.1 ± 1.6 PANC-1 (Pancreatic) 50:1 −2.2 ± 0.4 46.8 ± 2.1 25:1 −2.5 ± 0.4 33.2 ± 3.3 12.5:1  −3.9 ± 0.3 21.2 ± 0.6 SK-MEL (Melanoma) 50:1  2.7 ± 0.7  4.6 ± 1.1 25:1  1.5 ± 0.3  3.3 ± 1.1 12.5:1   1.6 ± 0.4  2.3 ± 0.6 DU145 (Prostate) 50:1 −0.3 ± 0.2 −0.5 ± 0.3 25:1 −0.7 ± 0.1  0.3 ± 0.8 12.5:1  −0.2 ± 0.2 −0.3 ± 0.1

These in vitro results demonstrate that the NEO-101 antibody was capable of directing antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in the presence of normal human PBMCs.

Anti-Tumor Activity

The NEO-101 antibody was tested for anti-tumor activity using the human AsPC-1 pancreas tumor xenograft model in nude mice. In this activity model, mice were implanted with human AsPC-1 tumor cells and allowed to establish to approximately 20-50 mm³, measurable with a caliper in approximately 4-6 days. The treatment regimen included intraperitoneal injection of 200 μg of research-grade NEO-101 or a negative control human IgG (Pierce), followed on the next day with an intraperitoneal injection of IL-2-activated normal human PBMCs (approximately 2×10⁷ per mouse per injection). Two cycles of treatment were administered such that antibody injections occurred on days 5 and 8, and PBMC injections occurred on days 6 and 9 in this study. Throughout the study, the tumor growth was monitored twice weekly by measurement with a caliper. Tumor volume was calculated using the equation: Volume=(width×length)/2, in units of cubic millimeters. If a tumor reached approximately 800 mm³, or became ulcerated or necrotic, the mouse was humanely sacrificed. The study was terminated on study day 35.

FIG. 3 demonstrates the average tumor growth for each group plotted together. Tumor growth inhibition was observed during the antibody treatment phase of the study, and the difference between the NEO-101 treated mice and the control groups was statistically significant beginning on day 13 and continuing for the remainder of the study (P=0.0072 by one-way ANOVA), as indicated by the asterisk on the graph.

This anti-tumor activity study was repeated in a separate study using the same AsPC-1 pancreas tumor model and the 200 μg dose of NEO-101 antibody. However, in the second study, four cycles of treatment were administered instead of two cycles. The antibody was administered on days 4, 7, 10, and 13 in this study while the PBMCs were injected on days 5, 8, 11, and 14. All other parameters were kept the same as the previous study. The data shown in FIG. 4 demonstrate very similar growth inhibition in response to treatment with NEO-101. Tumor inhibition was evident during the treatment phase of the study, and the difference between the NEO-101 treated mice and the human IgG control mice was statistically significant beginning on Day 18 and continuing for the remainder of the study (P=0.0044 by one-way ANOVA; n=8 per group). The fact that these two independent anti-AsPC-1 activity studies yielded such similar results supports the usefulness of the NEO-101 antibody for the treatment of pancreatic and colorectal cancer.

Since the LS174T colorectal tumor cell line served as a good target in vitro in the ADCC assay, this cell line was used in a xenograft tumor model. The LS174T cells were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice and the same treatment regimen was administered to these mice. The data shown in FIG. 5 demonstrate that this is a very aggressive tumor in vivo since the study had to be terminated in less than 3 weeks. Nonetheless, we observed a 2-3-fold reduction in tumor growth in NEO-101 treated mice compared to the 2 control groups of mice following the treatment cycles. The anti-tumor effect upon treatment with NEO-101 was significant on the last day of measuring tumors with P=0.0145 by one-way ANOVA. However, many of the tumors in the control groups became ulcerated and were greater than 1000 mm³ and the study was terminated.

Cytokine Response

In a preliminary study designed to evaluate potential cytokine responses in vivo, normal BALB/c mice were injected intravenously with either 3.5 mg/kg or 14 mg/kg (5 mice per group) of research-grade NEO-101. Blood was collected on Study Day 3 (72 hours post-injection) and Study Day 10. Serum was prepared (including from the pre-bleed of each mouse) and tested for the presence of mouse IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-5 in a multiplex bead assay using the SearchLight Array service offered by Aushon BioSystems, Inc.

The data demonstrated that there was a small increase in the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-5, but no appreciable change in IFN-γ or IL-4 on day 3. There appeared to be no dose-dependency related to the increase of IL-2 or IFN-γ, and the minor elevation of these 2 cytokines showed evidence of beginning to resolve at the day 10 time point. Thus, in this study a small and apparently transient cytokine response was observed that might be expected upon injection of a bolus of foreign protein into a mouse.

Antibody Response

Mouse anti-NEO-101 antibody (MAHA) responses were also measured in this study (CB08-5110). The analysis employed an ELISA based assay to detect NEO-101-specific antibodies in mouse serum. The data demonstrated that normal BALB/c mice mounted an antibody response against the NEO-101 molecule. However, the antibody responses were highly variable on a mouse-to-mouse basis, and the overall responses were moderate, suggesting that the NEO-101 antibody was only mildly immunogenic in mice despite the fact that it is comprised in 67% of human IgG sequences. There were no differences between male and female mouse MAHA responses.

Toxicity

A preliminary non-GLP toxicity study using a research-grade preparation of NEO-101 was also conducted. Normal BALB/c mice were injected with a single IV dose of saline, or 3, 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg of NEO-101 (n=3 female mice per group). In-life parameters measured included body weights and clinical observations. Mice were humanely sacrificed 72 hours following the injection and specimens were collected for analysis. Post-mortem parameters included macroscopic examination, blood cell counts, serum chemistries, and histopathological evaluation of selected major organs and tissues. The results of the preliminary study demonstrated no significant changes in body weight, blood cell counts, and histopathology of 7 major organs and tissues (liver, spleen, kidney, lung, heart, intestine, pancreas). A mild, but statistically insignificant elevation of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) was observed in 2 out of 3 mice that received 100 mg/kg of NEO-101. No other toxicities were detected in these studies potentially associated with NEO-101, including during histopathological examination of the major organ systems in these mice.

Pharmocokinetics

To determine whether gender impacted the disposition of NEO-101 in vivo, each treatment group contained four males and four females. Clearance, C_(max) and half-life following a single dose of 10 or 100 mg/kg were compared by non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. No significant gender-specific differences were observed in clearance or C_(max). However, the serum half-life of NEO-101 was shorter in females than in males. This finding was only significant at the 100 mg/kg dose level (t1/2:109.5±14.72 h versus 285.4±139.5 h, P=0.029). However, it is likely that this is a spurious observation, arising from high inter-animal variability, as this difference in half-life was not replicated following multiple doses, regardless of dose level.

The data provides useful guidance for the dosing schedule of possible therapeutic regimes. Mice injected intravenously with 10 mg/kg of NEO-101 may be used for comparison to the doses used in therapy regiments for humans, for instance. Overall, the disposition of NEO-101 antibody in mice is characterized by low clearance, a limited volume of distribution and a long elimination half-life. The mean half-life at 10 mg/kg was 129 hours (5.4 days) after a single dose, increasing to 279 hours (11.6 days) after four doses, which should allow for adequate exposure when dosed every 2-3 weeks in a clinical trial.

Biodistribution

The biodistribution of the NEO-101 antibody was evaluated in tumor-bearing mice using radio-labeled antibody. The NEO-101 antibody was labeled on surface-exposed tyrosines with 125-Iodine and purified via gel filtration chromatography. Nude mice bearing established subcutaneous human pancreatic tumors (CFPAC-1) or colorectal tumors (LS174T) were injected intravenously with the radioiodinated NEO-101 on day 0. Mice were sacrificed on study day 1, 2, 4, and 6. On necropsy days, mice were exsanguinated and major organs (e.g., lungs, intestine, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, blood) including the subcutaneous tumor were collected.

The data show that radiolabeled NEO-101 localized predominantly in the established tumor xenografts that are known to express the MUC5AC target antigen, and, not in other non-target tissues examined. In the pancreatic CPFAC-1 tumor model, NEO-101 uptake was statistically higher in tumors than in any other tissue type at all timepoints, except when compared to those in blood in females only on day 6. Interestingly, mice harboring the colorectal LS174T tumor demonstrated NEO-101 uptake that increased in both sexes reaching the highest levels on day 6. The uptake was statistically higher in tumors than in any other tissue type examined at any timepoint during the study. These studies support the notion that NEO-101 can traffic to the tumor site following intravenous administration of the antibody, where it can bind to it target antigen, accumulate at the tumor site, and elicit an anti-tumor effect.

The biodistribution of NEO-101 in CFPAC-1 pancreatic tumor model was used to study the concentration of the NEO-101 antibody in tumors over the course of 6 days. Mice were injected with either 3×10⁶ CFPAC-1 and allowed to grow to 50-100 cm³. Afterward, ¹²⁵I-labeled NEO-101 was injected at 400 μg/ml in 200 μl of PBS and the mice sacrificed. Organs were harvested and the amount of ¹²⁵I labeled NEO-101 was counted and normalized to blood. The data demonstrated localization and accumulation of radiolabeled NEO-101 at the site of the tumor in vivo, whereas none of the major organ systems (e.g., kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach, lungs, liver, intestines) exhibited an enrichment of radiolabeled NEO-101.

Biodistribution of NEO-101 in LS174T colorectal tumor model was studied using NEO-101 antibody in tumors over the course of 6 days. Mice were injected with 3×10⁶ LS174T cells and allowed to grow to 50-100 cm³. Afterward, ¹²⁵I-labeled NEO-101 was injected at 400 μg/ml in 200 μl of PBS and the mice sacrificed. Organs were harvested and the amount of ¹²⁵I-labeled NEO-101 was counted and normalized to blood. The data demonstrate the time-dependent localization and accumulation of radiolabeled NEO-101 at the site of the tumor in vivo, whereas none of the major organ systems (e.g., kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach, lungs, liver, intestines) exhibited an enrichment of radiolabeled NEO-101.

In summary, the results, particularly the in vitro ADCC activity and the in vivo anti-tumor activity support the use of NEO-101 as a therapeutic for cancer patients who express the tumor target antigen, NPC-1. Tissue staining with NEO-101 revealed a strong positive correlation to colon and pancreas cancer tissues because little or no cross-reactivity with normal human pancreas or colon tissue, and no cross-reactivity to other normal tissues was seen. The pharmacokinetic data demonstrate that the NEO-101 serum half-life in mice is within a similar range compared to other therapeutic immunoglobulins, and supports administration of the antibody every two to three weeks. The bio-distribution study demonstrated the ability of NEO-101 antibody to traffic to, and accumulate in established tumors suggesting that a NEO-100 antibody may be used as a delivery vehicle to delivery agents (e.g., cytotoxic agents or labels) directly to tumors.

Example 8 Detection of NPC-1 Epitope in Fecal Samples

Stools are a rich source of cells derived from the gastrointestinal tract, and cancer antigens may be measured in fecal samples using standard techniques, e.g., immunochemistry such as ELISA. Kim, et al. (2003) Annals Clin. & Lab. Sci. 33: 32-38; Tøn, et al. (2000) Clin. Chimica Acta. 292: 41-54. A homologous format ELISA that uses NEO-101 antibody as both capture and detection reagent was developed. A preliminary control experiment with human pancreatic CFPAC-1 tumor cell supernate (containing the NPC-1 antigen) spiked into a healthy stool sample showed that stool did not interfere with the ELISA. Next, samples of stool collected during colonoscopy from colorectal cancer patients (n=4), stool from people with small polyps (n=4), stool from people with multiple polyps (n=2), stool from people with large polyps (n=3), and stool from healthy adults (n=13) were applied to the ELISA. A soluble extract of stool was prepared by detergent lysis and centrifugation. The level of NEO-101-specific NPC-1 epitope measured in this ELISA was compared among all groups. Table 10 shows data from two independent experiments in which some samples were spiked with CFPAC-1 cell line derived from pancreas duct carcinoma:

TABLE 10 Detection of NPC-1 epitope in human fecal extracts by ELISA Experiment 1 Experiment 2 extract extract extract extract Sample 1/10 1/50 1/10 1/50 1 fecal sample from healthy donor  285* 187 204 159 2 fecal sample from pt with  291 204 224 181 celiac disease 3 fecal sample from pt with polyps  855 281 723 231 4 fecal sample from pt with colon 3629 757 3217 624 cancer (hyperplasia) 5 fecal sample from pt with 5137 1043 ND ND colon cancer sample 1 spiked with 10 μl 1944 461 1354 346 CFPAC-1 supernate sample 2 spiked with 10 μl 2045 438 ND ND CFPAC-1 supernate sample 3 spiked with 10 μl 3219 582 ND ND CFPAC-1 supernate sample 4 spiked with 10 μl 5926 1373 ND ND CFPAC-1 supernate sample 5 spiked with 10 μl 7692 1694 ND ND CFPAC-1 supernate CFPAC-1 supernate 2902 ND 2772 ND HTB 35 supernate  143 ND 82 ND *numbers represent NPC-1 epitope-positive cell equivalents/mL ND = not done HTB-35 = NPC-1 epitope negative control supernate

Results using CFPAC-1 supernate as a surrogate source of NPC-1 antigen showed that the contents of fecal material did not interfere with the ability of the ELISA to measure the NEO-101 antibody reactive NPC-1 epitope. When extracts of stool were applied to the ELISA, it was apparent that healthy people did not express NEO-101 antibody reactive NPC-1 epitope in their stool. The signal in the assay was similar to background levels (average about 723 units). In contrast, people with small polyps had higher levels (average about 3,819 units); people with multiple polyps expressed higher levels (average about 7,369 units); people with large polyps had even higher levels (average about 10,189 units); and colon cancer patients had the highest levels of NEO-101 reactive antigen (average about 175,983 units), more than about 240 times the level of NPC-1 epitope compared with healthy people. ELISA using NEO-101 antibody (to detect NPC-1 epitope) is a specific and useful assay for the diagnosis and monitoring of pancreas cancer using stool samples. Inhibitors of NEO-101 antibody ELISA are not present in fecal extracts. The assay is titratable and may be quantitative. See also FIG. 1.

This data establishes a correlate level of NEO-101 reactive antigen, measured by a novel stool-based ELISA, with colon cancer disease progression. The level of NEO-10′-specific NPC-1 epitope detected increased concomitantly with the number and size of polyps observed during colonoscopy, and reached the highest levels in patients with colon cancer. Thus, this ELISA test provides for early non-invasive diagnostic screening for colorectal cancer using an anti-NEO-101 antibody.

Example 10 NEO-101 Antibody Shows Anti-Tumor Effects In Vitro and In Vivo

Introduction:

NEO-101 is a chimeric monoclonal antibody which may be used for the treatment of pancreatic and colorectal cancers. NEO-101 antibody appears to recognize a variant form of MUC5AC expressed specifically by human pancreatic and colorectal tumor tissues and cell lines.

Methods:

The NEO-101 antibody was selected from a panel of hybridomas generated from mice immunized with semi-purified membrane-associated proteins derived from biologically screened, pooled human allogeneic colon cancer tissues. In vitro assays and in vivo studies were performed to characterize the GMP-grade antibody.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Slides were deparaffinized, rehydrated and antigen retrieval was performed. Slides were then stained with 10 μg/ml biotinylated NEO-101 antibody and then streptavidin-HRP was applied for color development. Slides were counter stained with H.E., hydrated and fixed. The results demonstrate NEO-101 binding specific for pancreatic or colorectal tumor tissue, but no binding to normal pancreas or colon tissue. See Table 11. The specificity of NEO-101 for pancreatic and colorectal tumor tissue was further shown by staining lung tumor tissue. While there was significant binding to these tissues with a commercial antibody that recognizes normal MUC5AC, there was no reactivity of NEO-101 with these lung tumor tissues.

TABLE 11 Specificity of NEO-101 Antibody Total-Tissue Percentage Tissue Types Samples Stained Positive Colon Cancer 38 79% Normal Pancreatic 29  3% Pancreatic Cancer 108 48% Normal Uterus 12 0 Uterus Cancer 50 44% Normal Prostate 4 0 Prostate Cancer 40 25%

FACs data showing NEO-101 antibody binding to colon cancer and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Cells were washed and suspended in either 2 μg/ml NEO-101-FITC or isotype control antibody-FITC for 1 hour, washed and then subjected to FACS analysis. Experiments with all cell lines were repeated at least three times. The NEO-101 antibody reacts with colorectal and pancreatic tumor tissues, but does not cross-react with normal human tissues, except for sporadic, weak binding to certain GI tract tissues, which may indicate a pre-malignant state. NEO-101 antibody binds to cancer cells as observed by immunofluoresence (IF) staining results using a FITC labeled NEO-101 antibody (2 μg/ml) on pancreatic cancer cell line AsPC-1, colorectal cancer cell line LS174T, but does not bind to the lung cancer cell line A549. DAPI was used to stain the nucleus. The IF showed clear specific staining of the pancreatic and colorectal cells, but not the lung cancer cells. The staining pattern of these pancreatic and colorectal tumor cells was predominantly membrane-associated, consistent with the expression profile of MUC5AC. See Table 12.

TABLE 12 NEO-101 Antibody binding to Pancreatic and Colorectal Tumor Cell Lines Isotype Control NEO-101 Tumor Cell Lines (Percent positive) (Percent positive) LS174 3.85 89.72 Colo-205 2.33 94.67 SW480 3.38 58.98 CFPAC 1.79 52.56

The NEO-101 antibody exhibits cell-specific binding and ADCC activity against human colorectal and pancreatic tumor cells, but not against control tumor cell lines. In vivo, the anti-tumor activity of NEO-101 antibody was tested using pre-established subcutaneous human tumor xenograft models. Surprisingly, the NEO-101 antibody showed significant, and reproducible, anti-tumor action, including some complete tumor regressions.

The results herein show that NEO-101 antibody may bind specifically to pancreatic and colon cancer tissue samples and also to cell lines. NEO-101 antibody may induce antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity in colon and pancreatic cells but not in melanoma and prostate cancer. In vivo studies suggest that NEO-101 antibody inhibits tumor growth in xenograft models of pancreatic and colon cancer. Bio-distribution studies showed that NEO-101 antibody accumulates in the tumor and not in any major organs. There was mild type I and II cytokine responses and expected? antibody responses in mice treated with NEO-101. Therefore, the NEO-101 antibody is specific for pancreatic and colon cancer, and induces ADCC activity in in vitro assays and inhibits tumor growth in vivo.

Particularly, the available data relating to the NEO-101 antibody indicates that it should be safe and efficacious, and that it may have clinical activity in patients whose tumor expresses the variant MUC5AC epitope. Indeed, this antibody should have broad clinical relevance as approximately 50-70% of human pancreatic and colon tumor tissues express an NPC-1 antigen (as shown by positive staining).

Example 11 Biopanning

The biopanning technique harnesses recombinant phage display peptide libraries, typically based on relatively short recombinant peptides fused to a phage coat protein. Phage display describes a selection technique in which a library of variants of a peptide or protein is expressed on the outside of a phage virion, while the genetic material encoding each variant resides on the inside. See, e.g., Sidhu, et al. (2003) Chembiochem 4(1): 14-25; Ferrer, et al. (1999) J. Pept. Res. 54(1): 32-42; BouHamden, et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273(14): 8009-8016; and Whaley, et al. (2000) Nature 405(6787): 665-667.

For example, the PH.D.™-12 phage display peptide library is a recombinatorial library of random dodecapeptides fused to the minor coat protein (plll) of M13 phage. The displayed 12-mer is expressed at the N-terminus, followed by a short spacer peptide (GGGS), and then the wild-typs pill sequence. The library consists of approximately 2.7×10⁹ sequences amplified once to yield approximately 100 copies of each sequence in 10 μl of phage. The 4B6 Id may be used in competitive immunoassays to release NEO-101-bound phage in biopanning (e.g., using the Ph.D.™-12 M13 library phage display system) to identify NEO-101 epitopes. 4B6 is an anti-idiotypic antibody described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/41501

More specifically, enrichment of clonal phage by phage tittering used several rounds of biopanning. The first round of biopanning captured a mixture of NEO-101-biotin and display phage to a streptavidin-coated plate, and bound phage was released by 100 μg/ml 4B6 in 0.1% Tween® 20 (polysorbate 20 non-ionic detergent), and yielded 1.6×10³ pfu/10 μl. Another round of biopanning, NEO-101 antibody was coupled to Dynal® beads, and bound phage was released by 100 μg/ml 4B6 in 0.1% Tween® 20, yielding 1.1×10⁶ pfu/10 μl. Another round of biopanning captured a mixture of NEO-101 antibody and phage to Protein G-agarose, and bound phage was released by 200 μg/ml of 4B6 in 0.5% Tween® 20, which resulted in 4.5×10⁵ pfu/10 μl. Yet another round of biopanning captured a mixture of NEO-101 antibody and phage to Protein A-agarose, and bound phage was released by 200 μg/ml 4B6 in 0.5% Tween® 20, and yielded 1.3×10⁶ pfu/10 μl. Twelve phage clones from each of three biopanning rounds were selected for sequence analysis. The resulting peptides are shown in FIG. 6.

The M13 clones identified from the several rounds of biopanning were ELISA-tested. Aliquots of 100 μl/well NEO-101 (1 μg/ml in CBS buffer) in 96 well plate were incubated at 4° C. overnight. Wells were then washed three times with TBST (0.05% Tween). Non-specific binding was inhibited by blocking with 200 μl of 5% BSA in 0.1 M NaHCO₃ at room temperature (RT) for 1 hr. Clonal M13 was diluted 1:60 in TBS and added at 100 μl/well, and the wells incubated at RT for 1 hr. The wells were then washed three times with TBST. Aliquots of 100 μA anti-M13-HRP, diluted 1:5,000 in TBS, were added to each well, and incubated at RT for 1 hr. The wells were then washed three times, TMB was added, and the plates were read at 450 nm. Control wells did not contain NEO-101 antibody. The results of the clonal M13 binding ELISA are shown in FIG. 7, which indicated 6 clonal M13 phage bind to NPC-1C coated wells not BSA blocked control wells significantly.

The peptides identified in the biopanning experiments were used in competitive binding immunoassays using colon cancer antigens. Briefly, the antigen preparation (Colon Ag) was derived from pooled allogeneic colon cancer specimens from multiple patients, which was obtained post-operatively. Cell membranes were isolated from the tumor, and soluble membrane proteins were prepared by sonication and Sephadex G-200 chromatography. Semi-purified tumor-associated antigens were identified by in vitro and in vivo testing in colon cancers and controls for cell-mediated immunoreactivities. Tumor-associated antigens were detected in fetal intestine and cell membranes, and was localized on tumor cell membranes. Using discontinuous, gradient gel electrophoresis, both tumor-associated antigens and CEA were separated and cross-compared. The tumor-associated antigens (Colon Ag) was shown to be distinct from CEA (Hollinshead et al., 177 Science 887 (1972).

Aliquots of 100 μl/well Colon Ag (3 μg/ml in CBS buffer) in 96 well plate were incubated at 4° C. overnight. Wells were then washed three times with TBST (0.05% Tween). Non-specific binding was inhibited by blocking with 200 μl of 1% milk in TBS at RT for 1 hr. Aliquots of 100 μl/well premixed NEO-101-biotin and test peptide were added, and the wells incubated at RT for 1 hr. The wells were then washed three times with TBST. Aliquots of 100 μl streptavidin-HRP, diluted 1:2000, were added to each well, and incubated at RT for 1 hr. The wells were then washed three times, TMB was added, and the plates were read at 450 nm. Control wells contained NEO-101-biotin at a two-fold serial dilution. The results of the clonal M13 binding ELISA are shown in FIGS. 8A-B. FIG. 8A demonstrated 5/9 clonal M13 phages block NPC-1C binding to colon Ag significantly; the percentage of inhibition is more than 60%. The OD values from this competitive ELISA test was shown in FIG. 8B.

The M13 clones identified by the biopanning were also immunoassayed using magnetic beads. Aliquots of 5 μl M13 phage (10¹¹/10 μl) were mixed with 10 μl NEO-101-coupled Dynal® beads at RT for 20 min on a rotator. CFPAC1 cells (30 μl of 10⁶ cells/ml) were added and incubated at 4° C. for 30 min. Rosetted cells were counted (>8 beads/cell). Results are shown in Table 13. The experiments showed that clones 4-1-2-C5, 4-1-3-C8, 4-1-3-C9, 4-1-4-C11 and 4-1-4-C12 blocked NEO-101-coupled beads from binding to the CFPAC1 cells.

TABLE 13 Binding of M13 clones to NEO-101 antibody-coupled beads. Dynal beads Positive rosette coupled with: M13 Clone cells (%) H-IgG TBS 1 NEO-101 TBS 41 H16C3 TBS 60 NEO-101 4-1-2-C5 0 NEO-101 4-1-3-C8 0 NEO-101 4-1-3-C9 0 NEO-101 4-1-3-C11 38 NEO-101 4-1-4-C11 0 NEO-101 4-1-4-C12 0 NEO-101 4-1-4-C11 + 4-1-2-C5 0 H16C3 4-1-4-C11 36 H16C3 4-1-4-C11 + 4-1-2-C5 59

In another experiment, wells were coaded with 100 μl/well Colon Ag (3 μg/ml in CBS buffer) and incubated at 4° C. overnight, and the wells washed three times with TBST (0.05% Tween). The wells were blocked with 200 μl of 1% milk at RT for 1 hr. A pre-mix of NEO-101-biotin and clonal M13 phages e was added at 100 μl/well and incubated at RT of 1 hr, followed by three washes with TBST. Streptavidin-HRP (100 al of 1:2000 dilution) was added and the reaction incubated at RT for 1 hr, and the wells washed three time. TMB was added, and the wells were read at 450 nm. The results of clonal M13 phages blocking NPC-1C binding to colon Ag are shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, which demonstrated the does dependent inhibition of clonal M13 phages on NPC-1C binding to colon Ag in separate experiments.

Several clones were identified by the biopanning and subsequent immunoassays. From this work, four clones (and one control) were selected to synthesizing peprides for further characterization as shown in Table 14. The M13 native sequences are the YSHS (SEQ ID NO: 25) at the N-terminal end of the peptide, and the GGGS (SEQ ID NO: 26) at the C-terminus of the peptide.

TABLE 14 NEO-101-binding peptides identified in biopanning and immunoassays SEQ Peptide ID ID Amino Acid Sequence NO 4-13-C9 YSHSFPEDYFRYTNQKGGGS 19 4-1-4-C12 YSHSSLPDDWPRYINYGGGS 20 4-1-2-C5 YSHSWHTLPEKSLDENGGGS 21 4-1-3-C8 YSHSWHTLPESGEVTSGGGS 22 4-1-3-C11 YSHSVHAIEDNWSPRGGGGS 23 (control peptide)

The peptide binding was analyzed in ELISA by adding 100 μl/well of peptide in CBS buffer to 96 well plate and incubating at 4° C. overnight, followed by three washes with TBST (0.05% Tween). The solution was blocked with 200 μl of 1% milk in TBS at RT for 20 min. Aliquots of 100 μl NEO-101-biotin (1 μg/ml) were added, and incubated at RT of 2 hours, followed by three washes with TBST. Streptavidin-HRP (100 μl of 1:2000 diluted in 1:10 diluted blocking buffer) was added, and the wells incubated at RT for 1 hr, followed by three washed. TMB was then added, and the wells were read at 450 nm. Controls used 4B6-coated wells. The results of peptide binding to NEO-101 are shown in FIG. 10, which indicates that the peptides failed to bind adequately to the ELISA plate.

To solve the poor binding of peptides to 96 well plate, peptides were biotinylated using EZ-link micro NHS Biotinylation kit (Pierce Cat#21955), and labeling efficiency checked by dot blot (50%). The biotinylated peptide binding was analyzed in ELISA by adding 100 al/well of NEO-101 (1 μg/ml) in CBS buffer to 96 well plate and incubating at 4° C. overnight, followed by three washes with TBST (0.05% Tween). The solution was blocked with 200 μl of 1% milk in TBS at RT for 20 min, Aliquots of 100 μl peptide-biotin (1 μg/ml) in 0.1% milk-TBS were added, and incubated at RT of 2 hr, followed by three washes with TBST. Streptavidin-HRP (100 μl of 1:2000 diluted in 1:10 diluted blocking buffer) was added, and the wells incubated at RT for 1 hr, followed by three washed. TMB was then added, and the wells were read at 450 nm. Positive controls for NPC-1C binding used 4B6-biotin. The results are shown in FIG. 11, which indicates biotinlyated peptides bind to NPC-1C coated plate.

An ELISA analysis of the NEO-101 binding inhibition by peptide 4-1-3-C9 and 4-1-4-C12 against Colon Ag was conducted. Aliquots of 100 μl/well Colon Ag (3 μg/ml in CBS buffer) in 96 well plate were incubated at 4° C. overnight, and the wells washed three times with TBST (0.05% Tween). The wells were blocked with 200 μl of 1% milk at RT for 1 hour. A pre-mix of NEO-101-biotin and test peptide was added at 100 μl/well and incubated at RT of 1 hour, followed by three washes with TBST. Streptavidin-HRP (100 μl of 1:2000 dilution) was added and the reaction incubated at RT for 1 hour, and the wells washed three time. TMB was added, and the wells were read at 450 nm. The control was NEO-101-biotin. See FIG. 12. A summary of the data is shown in Table 15:

TABLE 15 Synthetic peptides immunoassay data. Blocking of NEO-101 antibody SEQ NEO-101 binding to ID Peptide ID Amino Acid binding colon Ag NO 4-1-3-C9 YSHSFFEDYFRYTNQKGGGS Yes Yes 19 4-1-4-C12 YSHSSLPDDWFRYINYGGGS Yes Yes 20 4-1-3-C8 YSHSWHTLPESGEVTSGGGS Yes No 22 4-1-3-C11 YSHSVHAIEDNWSPRGGGGS No No 23 (negative control) An additional two peptides were synthesized for confirmation: 4-1-4-C12-biotin YSHSSLPDDWFRYINYGGGS-Biotin 20 4-1-4C12-R2 (repeat 12mer) SLPDDWFRYINYSLPDDWFRYINY 24

The peptides thus identified were compared with the MUC5AC sequence, for example GeneID: 4586 (Homo sapiens), and the results are shown in FIG. 13. Among these three peptide, shared amino acids are underlined as follows:

TABLE 16 Comparison of Three Peptidomimetics SEQ Peptide ID ID Amino Acid Sequence NO 4-1-3-C9 YSHSFPEDYFRYTNQKGGGS 19 4-1-4-C12 YSHSSLPDDWFRYINYGGGS 20 4-1-4C12-R2 SLPDDWFRYINYSLPDDWFRYINY 24

On this basis, it was concluded that the following peptidomimetics are antibody-binding peptides that bind NEO-101: SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1) wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 2) wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y and SLEPEX¹DWX²FRYX³NY (SEQ ID NO: 3) wherein X¹ is E or D; X² is W or Y; and X³ is T or I. Exemplary peptidomimetics include but are not limited to FPEDYFRYTNQK (SEQ ID NO: 4) and SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5) and additional peptidomimetics are described in SEQ ID NOs: 6-24.

Next, the inhibition of NEO-101 beads binding to CFAC1 Cells (rosetted cells) by peptides 4-1-4C12 and 4-1-4C12-R2 was investigated, as shown in FIG. 14A. FIG. 14B was the results from positive control with 4B6 in competitive beads assay. As an alternative to observing rosetted cells, the supernatant from CFAC1 cultured cells was used to coat ELISA plates, and a series of competition assays were performed as shown in FIG. 15 A-B. Both peptide 4-1-3C9 and 4-1-4C12-R2 showed significant competition against bound CFPAC1 antigen with NEO-101 binding, with peptide 4-1-4C12 exhibiting higher inhibition in low concentration comparing with 4-1-3C9. Therefore, the peptide 4-1-4-C12 is a peptidomimetic of the NPC-1 epitope and may be used to elicit a NPC-1 specific antibodies.

Example 12 4-1-4-C12 Peptidomimetic Conjugated to KLH is Immunogenic

An exemplary NPC-1 antigen peptidomimetic, 4-1-4C12 (SEQ ID NO: 5) was conjugated to KLH (Keyhole Limpit Hemocyannin) (“4-1-4-C12-KLH”). The peptidomimetic-KLH conjugate, 4-1-4-C12-KLH, binds to NEO-101 antibody as shown in ELISA assays. Further, 4-1-4C12-KLH blocks NPC-1 binding to NPC-1C antigen specifically in competitive ELISA. After confirming the function of 4-1-4C12-KLH, 4-1-4C12-KLH was injected into rabbits. The immunized serum after third injection was tested by binding ELISA to check the function of 4-1-4C12-KLH induced antibody. The plate was coated with 4-1-4C12 peptide or CFPAC1 sup, diluted serum was added to the washed and blocked the plate. Bound rabbit IgG was detected by donkey anti-rabbit IgG-HRP. 4-1-4C12-KLH immunized serum binds to 4-1-4C12 (SEQ ID NO: 5) but also bind to CFPAC1 human pancreatic cell line supernantant in a dose dependent manner. FIG. 16A-B. This demonstrates that a NPC-1 epitope peptidomimetic may be injected into an animal and elicity an NPC-1 epitope specific immune response.

Purified rabbit IgG (anti 4-1-4C12 pAb) was obtained from immunized rabbit for confirmation test. The plate was coated with NPC-1C antigen (CFPAC1 or BSM), 4-1-4C12 peptide as control. Anti-4-1-4C12 pAb was added to washed and blocked plate. Donkey anti-rabbit IgG-HRP was used to detect bound rabbit antibody. The results showed that anti 4-1-4C12 pAb binds to CFPAC1 human pancreatic cell line supernantant, BSM and 4-1-4C12 peptide in a dose dependent manner FIG. 17. Anti 4-1-4C12 pAb has lower affinity to BSM when comparing with NPC-1C antibody in binding ELISA. FIG. 18.

Therefore, the NPC-1 peptidomimetics described herein may be conjugated to carriers (e.g., KLH) and retain their antigenicity and elicit an immune response including antibodies which bind the NPC-1 eptiope. This immune response may then be active in clearing (e.g., lysis) NPC-1 expressing tumor cells, and thus, have a therapeutic effect in the animal (e.g., slowing tumor growth, shrinking tumors).

All publications, patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. An isolated polypeptide comprising a polypeptide having at least 90% identity to the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); YSHSSLPDDWFRYINYGGGS (SEQ ID NO:20); or SLPDDWFRYINYSLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO:24).
 2. The isolated polypeptide of claim 1, wherein said polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SX¹PX²DX³FRYX⁴NX⁵K (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X¹ is for L; X² is E or D; X³ is Y or W; X⁴ is T or I and X⁵ is Q or Y; SLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO: 5); YSHSSLPDDWFRYINYGGGS (SEQ ID NO:20); or SLPDDWFRYINYSLPDDWFRYINY (SEQ ID NO:24).
 3. A fusion protein comprising the polypeptide of claim
 1. 4. The fusion protein of claim 3, wherein said fusion protein comprises a detectable label covalently or non-covalently directly or indirectly attached thereto.
 5. The fusion protein of claim 4, wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of polyHis tag, FLAG tag, MBP, GST protein, and GFP.
 6. A conjugate comprising the polypeptide of claim 1, directly or indirectly, conjugated to a cytotoxic agent, a therapeutic agent, label, carbohydrate, carrier, immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragment, or an immunomodulatory agent.
 7. The conjugate of claim 6, wherein said carbohydrate is mannose, fucose, glucose, GlcNAs, or maltose.
 8. The conjugate of claim 6, wherein said carrier is Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH), diphtheria toxoid, cholera toxoid, ovalbumin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), Pseudomonas exoprotein A, or microbial outer membrane proteins (OMPS).
 9. The conjugate of claim 6, wherein said label is a chemiluminescent label, paramagnetic label, MRI contrast agent, fluorescent label, bioluminescent label, or radioactive label.
 10. The conjugate of claim 9, wherein said paramagnetic label is aluminum, manganese, platinum, oxygen, lanthanum, lutetium, scandium, yttrium, or gallium.
 11. The conjugate of claim 6, wherein the cytotoxic agent is a moiety that inhibits DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis, a radionuclide, or ribosomal inhibiting protein.
 12. The conjugate of claim 11, wherein the cytotoxic agent is ²¹²Bi, ¹³¹I, ¹⁸⁸Re, ⁹⁰Y, vindesine, methotrexate, adriamycin, cisplatin, pokeweed antiviral protein, Pseudomonas exotoxin A, ricin, diphtheria toxin, ricin A chain, or cytotoxic phospholipase enzyme.
 13. A composition comprising the polypeptide of claim
 1. 14. The composition of claim 13, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diagnostically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or excipient.
 15. A composition for treating cancer comprising an effective amount of the polypeptide of claim
 1. 16. A diagnostic kit comprising the polypeptide of claim
 1. 17. A method for treating cancer comprising administering an effective amount of a polypeptide of claim 1 to a subject in need thereof, thereby eliciting an immune response against said polypeptide.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said polypeptide is administered in combination with another antibody, a lymphokine, or a hematopoietic growth factor.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said agent is administered simultaneously or sequentially with the antibody.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein said cancer is lung, breast, ovarian, stomach, pancreas, uterine, esophageal, colorectal, or liver cancer.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said cancer is a stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 cancer.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein said cancer has metastasized.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the patient expresses detectable levels of a NPC-1 epitope.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the antigen is detected in a tumor biopsy sample or in the blood, stool, urine, or lymph fluid.
 25. A method for activating dendritic cells comprising removing dendritic cells from a patient, contacting cells ex vivo with an effective amount of a polypeptide of claim 1, and reintroducing activated the dendritic cells into said patient.
 26. A method for activating antigen-specific immunity comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a polypeptide of claim
 1. 